Amavubi falls in Casablanca

2010 World/Africa Cup ResultMorocco 2-0 RwandaTodayEthiopia v Mauritania Rwanda’s Amavubi Stars lost their first group eight fixture 2-0 against Morocco in the 2010 World/Africa Cup qualifier played last night at Complexe Sportif Mohamed V in Casablanca. The Atlas Lions went ahead eleven minutes into the game when Youssef Safri converted a penalty after Hamad Ndikumana brought down Ahmed Ajedou. Four mintues after the interval El Zhar Nabir scored Morocco’s second goal to put the game below Rwanda’s reach. Rwanda played a defensive game in the first half with the strikers having a few chances of causing any discomfort to the Moroccan backline. The hosts played an attacking game that overwhelmed their visitors. On the 11th minute, Safri scored Morocco’s first goal through a penalty which was awarded after Hamad Ndikumana brought down Ahmed Ajedou in the penalty area. Rwanda suffered from a poor midfield which was beyond par compared to the way they have played the last three qualifiers against Mauritania, Ethiopia earlier and Morocco a week ago with the midfield proving to be the main culprit. Morocco’s Nabir scored Morocco’s second goal after benefiting from Amavubi’s defense mix-up. Nabir beat Aloua Gaseruka after an exchange with Abdessalam Benjelloun to leave Gaseruka colliding with custodian Jean Claude to net Morocco’s second. The Rwanda side obtained useless cards for Elias Ntaganda, Jean Mugiraneza and Aimable Rucogoza and also Ndoli suffered hip strain giving an opportunity to Eric Bakame to come into the fray. Ntaganda was sent off on 63rd minute after fouling El Zhar Nabir and Mutesa Mafisango survived narrowly a red card too after aim a punch to Ahmed Ajedou. Amavubi Stars were further dominated after Ntaganda’s sending off with Mugiraneza and Karekezi being the culprits leaving the Moroccans to roam freely within their half. Even the substitution of Bokota Labama for Jean Claude Iranzi beaded no fruits for the Wasps. To make things worse, the 78th minute substitution of Bobo Bola for Mugiraneza provided not to create an impact as the Swedish based striker could not penetrate the solid Morocco defense which was excellent through out the game. Morocco ran riot in search for the third goal which was denied by a cross bar from the 88th minute free kick. Rwanda slipped to second position in group eight on level nine points with Morocco but the Atlas are head on goal difference of 10 goals scored while Amavubi Stars have eight goals scored. Group 8 Team MP W D L GF GA PtsMorocco 4 3 0 1 10 4 9Rwanda 4 3 0 1 8 4 9Ethiopia 3 1 0 2 2 5 3Mauritania 3 0 0 3 1 8 0 Ends