As Amavubi Stars hold Taifa Stars away 2011 CHAN qualifier First leg, yesterday Tanzania 1-1 Rwanda RWANDA’s Amavubi stars picked up an important away 1-1 draw against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in the first leg of the 2011 CHAN final qualifying round match played yesterday at Uhuru stadium, Dar es Salaam. Police striker Roger Tchouassi scored the opener for Rwanda on 40th minute before Mrisho Ngassa equalized in the second half on 75 minutes. Sellas Tetteh’s youthful team started the game with high confidence with Emmanuel Sebanani and Tchouassi missing crucial goal scoring opportunities. Skipper of the day Haruna Niyonzima played a vital role in the midfield but he didn’t get enough support from his midfield partners on either flank Jamal Mwiseneza and Jean Claude Iranzi. Left back Donatien Tuyisenge had to be substituted by Patrick Mafisango after striker Ngassa tormented him all game. Mrisho found the net after a defensive blunder from Didier Kapet and Kalisa Mao, who collided and in the process obstructed goalkeeper Jean Luc Ndayishimiye. After going behind, Tanzania pushed forward in search of an equalizer and the pressure dully paid off with a quarter of an hour remaining. Even after getting the equalizer, the hosts continued to pile more pressure on the visitors, forcing them in their half for the most part of the second half. The Taifa Stars were the lone Central-East zone representative at the maiden tourney held in Cote d’Ivoire last year and Coach Marcio Maximo has challenged his charges to do the same next year. On the other hand, Rwanda is aiming at making their maiden appearance in the tournament but to do that, they must win the return leg next month in Kigali. The second leg is scheduled for June 5 in Kigali with the winner after both legs qualifying for the final. If Rwanda wins, it will become the tenth country. Hosts Sudan, defending champions DR Congo, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, Niger, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire secured their places at the tournament to be held in Sudan in 2011. Ends
