CHAN 2025 Qualifiers: Dushimimana hits brace as Rwanda see off Djibouti

Forward Olivier Dushimimana scored two goals in the first half before Arsene Tuyisenge came from the bench to add the third in the second half as Rwanda cruised past Djibouti with a comfortable 3-0 second leg win at Amahoro Stadium on Thursday, October 31. The package was enough for Frank Spittler to overturn their 1-0 deficit in the first leg of the 2025 CHAN preliminary round and qualify for the next round after eliminating Djibouti on a 3-1 aggregate win. The result put a smile to the faces of thousands of Rwandans, including President Paul Kagame, who rallied in behind the home side after a disappointing performance in the first leg. Amavubi head coach Torsten Spittler made five changes to the team that started the first leg match on the same ground. The German gaffer decided to drop goalkeeper Patience Niyongira on the bench and handed Gad Muhawenayo a starting berth in the posts. He also brought on Gilbert Byiringiro for Omborenga Fitina, Pacifique Ngabonziza for Arsene Tuyisenge, Gilbert Mugisha for Ramadhan Niyibizi and Taiba Mbonyumwami for Osee Iyabivuze in what marked a massive tactical strategy. The first chance of the game fell to Kevin Muhire into the very first minute. A sweet build up on the right saw Olivier Dushimimana sending in an in-swinger, but Muhire's connection was heavy as the ball flew over the bar for a goal kick. Rwanda took control of the game and dominated ball possession as they mounted pressure on the Djiboutian defenders who retreated into their shells. It took the hosts 10 minutes to open the scores and relieve themselves from early pressure. A pass from Muhire found Dushimimana who had drifted a bit into a central attacking role; he then hit the ball past an on-rushing Sulait Luyima to make it 1-0 in the 10th minute. Two minutes later in the 12th minute, Dushimimana nearly turned the provider as he sent in a delightful cross from the right but Gilbert Mugisha's connection missed the target within just inches. Djibouti's first major chance of the game came in the 19th minute. A neat pass from Youssouf Farada found Mahad Abdi who hit a ferocious drive from 20 yards, the ball was heading to the roof of the net before it was tipped over the bar by Muhawenayo. ALSO READ: CHAN 2025 Qualifiers: Rwanda host Djibouti in a make or break tie The visitors looked disorganized as Rwanda dictated the pace of the game. Amavubi were swift on the break. Muhire found Dushimimana with a fine pass on the right, the APR winger beat two players before cutting in and hitting a beauty strike into the the net in the 24th minute to hit a brace and put Rwanda 2-1 ahead on aggregate. Spittler’s men were lively on the flanks as Mugisha and Dushimimana were key to their attacking play. Gabriel Dadzie had a shot from 25 yards in the 40th minute but it missed the target as Djibouti sought to reduce the deficit before recess. ALSO READ: CHAN 2025 Qualifiers: Will Djibouti clash determine Spittler's future? Amavubi missed two glorious chances in the 44th and 45th minutes through Taiba Mbonyumwami and Muhire as the first half came to an end. Spittler's men were leading 2-0 and had dominated possession for the first 45 minutes. Rwanda started from where they left off in the first half. Mugisha beat his marker Ahmed Mohammed in the 49th minute before laying a pass for Jean Bosco Ruboneka, but the latter’s strike sailed over the cross bar. Djibouti launched a counterattack in the 55th minute as Yabe Isman found Farada but his carpet shot didn't have enough power to trouble Muhawenayo who calmly saved it. Muhire had another good chance to score Rwanda's third goal in the 57th minute but he fumbled as goalkeeper Luyima saved the ball. Muhawenayo came to the rescue of Amavubi in the 61st minute as he pulled a superb save to deny Dadzie after the striker turned Yunusu Nshimiyimana inside out before hitting a swerving shot. Spittler made his two changes in the 71st minute when he brought on striker Onesme Twizerimana and winger Arsene Tuyisenge for hero of the day Dushimimana and Mbonyumwami respectively. Djibouti head coach Abdirahman Hadi also brought on Awaleh Gedo for Hassan Hussein in the 74th minute to strengthen his midfield. Mugisha had the ball at the back of the net after he connected a cross from Tuyisenge in the 78th minute but the goal was ruled out by Ugandan referee William Oloya for offside Rwanda made their third change in the 81st minute bringing on Omborenga Fitina for Byiringiro who had an impressive game. Muhire was stretched off in the 85th minute but was quick to return to the field after receiving treatment from the Amavubi medical team. Tuyisenge made it 3-0 for Rwanda in the 90th minute with a fine strike after being set up by Gilbert Mugisha inside the penalty box. There was a last-minute chance for Djibouti to get a consolation goal but the danger was cleared by Clement Niyigena as Rwanda held on to their 3-0 lead. Rwanda will now face the winner between Kenya and South Sudan in the final round which will decide who will qualify for CHAN 2025. The tournament will be held in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania in January 2025.

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CHAN 2025 Qualifiers: Dushimimana hits brace as Rwanda see off Djibouti