Upset in defeat

AMAVUBI Stars head coach Sellas Tetteh was left disappointed after seeing his side suffer a 0-5 demolition by Cote d’Ivoire in the penultimate 2012 Africa Nations’ Cup qualifier played yesterday at Amahoro stadium. Rwanda which was fighting for nothing but pride after being mathematically out of the running to qualify for next year’s Nations Cup, suffered one of the heaviest defeats ever. “It was a very disappointing game from every aspect. But this defeat could be attributed to a number of factors,” Tetteh said in yesterday’s press conference after the match. “Our opponent was well prepared, their players were on top of their form because their leagues are very competitive compared to the Rwandan league which has been in recess for three months,” noted the Ghanaian. When asked about his future, Tetteh added, “I still have a few months on my contract, but if there is a decision to be made before then, I will be ready for it.” Tetteh also hinted that the coaching job with the amavubi team is very difficult though he expected to be successful. “My tenure so far has not been successful. I didn’t know it would be difficult but I took it as it came and I will carry on until the end without any complaints despite the different challenges that come along the way,” added Tetteh. Chelsea midfielder Solomon Kalou opened the goal scoring on the 34th minute, tapping in an excellent pass from Arsenal striker Kouassi Gervinho from close range. Vitesse Arnhem’s striker Bony Wilfred added a quick double on 40th and 42nd minutes. Wilfred’s goals were created by both Kalou and Gervinho respectively. Second half substitute Yakonan Didier scored the fourth goal on the 64th minute finishing off a perfect movement from Kalou. Gervinho sealed off the victory by beating three defenders Kalisa Mao, Albert Ngabo and Patrick Mafisango to beat goalie Jean Luc Ndayishimiye. Rwanda’s best chances came from Bokota Labama, who was playing alone upfront. However, his efforts were all off target. Amavubi forwards didn’t threaten enough Barry Boubacar in Cote d’Ivoire goal. Impressive debutants The U-17 trio of Emery Bayisenge, Andrew Buteera and Charles Mwesigye Tibingana all did well on their senior debuts. The 0-5 loss went into the history of Rwandan football as the fourth biggest defeat of all time. Other biggest defeats include the 1976’s 0-5 loss to Cameroon, 1983’s 0-5 loss to Tunisia and the 1999’s 0-5 loss to neighbors Uganda. The loss leaves Rwanda bottom of Group H with three points in five matches played. Burundi take on Benin in Bujumbura this afternoon for the battle for second place. Ends