CAF U-20 Qualifiers: 1st Leg: Rwanda 1-1 Uganda
It takes character and determination to earn a point away from home in a football fixture.
This is exactly what the Uganda National Under 20 side, the Hippos needed during the first leg of the CAF U-20 qualifier in the one all draw with Rwanda at the Kigali Regional stadium, Nyamirambo on Saturday evening.
On form striker Edrisa ‘Torres’ Lubega scored in the 33rd minute to cancel forward Blaise Itangishaka’s 18th minute opener
After a promising start that witnessed lone striker Edrisa Lubega forcing defender Ange Mutsinzi into an unhurried clearance, the hosts momentarily rallied back to make instant thereafter.
By the third minute, Rwanda’s left back Aman Niyonkuru had a well weighted cross into the area well dealt with by the Ugandan skipper, Halid Lwaliwa.
Lubega was then denied by goalie Jimmy Nzeyruwanda in the 6th minute in a one against one incident. By the 13th minute, Jabel Manishimwe forced a great save from Keni Saidi in the Ugandan goal posts with an attempt from 30 yards.A minute after the quarter mark, Yasin Mugume had a 40-yard shot saved by Nzeyurqanda before Rwanda’s lead forward Blaise Itangishaka officially reported to work with the day’s opener.
The goal arrived in the 18th minute when skipper Savio Nshuti beat Umaru Mukobe at right back for the cross that Itangishaka headed past the goalie in an unmarked situation. Itsangishaka forced Lwaliwa to clear off the line shortly after with another attempt.
Rwanda’s coach Jean Baptiste Kayiranga was forced into an early change replacing Patrick Ndikumana for Ewing Ndagijimana who limped out.
In the 33rd minute Mukobe played a long ball that an on rushing Lubega raced onto, beating Niyonkuru for pace before slotting the ball home for the equalizer.
Mugume missed doubling the lead shortly after when his well laid tempting ball witnessed Niyonkuru hit the post.
As the second half returned, Uganda had the first threat at goal.
Six minutes into the half, Mugume orchestrated a brilliant run from deep inside his own half, played through Julius Poloto and the KCCA F.C young midfielder released Lubega into space before the latter blasted the ball over the bar.
A minute later, Musana was then cautioned for a dangerous foul on Arafat Sibomana.
Kefa Kisala and his technical team called for the first change of the game replacing Nicholas Kagaba for Joseph Ssemujju.
On the hour mark, Uganda Hippos’ vice skipper, Emma Olinga was also booked for malicious play.
Two minutes later, the hosts gained numerical advantage when goalie Keni Saidi handled the ball outside the goal area following Kevin Muhiire’s defense-splitting pass.
The Proline shot stopper was sent for an early shower by the day’s referee, Serge Flavien Soumou from Congo.
The red card meant Uganda had to call a change to pave way for James Ahebwa, the reserve goalie.
Yasin Mugume was the ‘sacrificial lamb’ as Vipers goalkeeper Ahebwa came in.
From then, it was Rwanda with a couple of half changes created by the chief tormentor on the left – Savio Nshuti but none was converted.
Innocent Nshuti replaced Salum Yamiini in the 82nd minute as Uganda’s final change of the day came three minutes to the dawn of the gamme.
Towering Vipers’ forward Alfred Leku replaced the tired but effective legs of Julius Poloto.
The return leg will be played on the 23rd April 2016 in Kampala with the winner on the day progressing to face Egypt for a slot at the Africa Nations U-20 championships that will be played in Zambia later this year.
Cards:
Yellow: 51’ Hassan Musana (Uganda), 61’ Emma Olinga (Uganda), 82’ Innocent Nshuti (Rwanda)
Red: 63’ Keni Saidi (Uganda) – Goalkeeper
Line Ups:
Keni Saidi (67’ Red Carded), Umaru Mukobe, Hassan Musana, Geofrey Waswa, Halid Lwaliwa (Captain), Daniel Shabena , Nicolas Kagaba (56’ Joseph Ssemujju), Julius Poloto (88’ Alfred Leku), Edrisa Lubega, Emma Olinga, Yasin Mugume (68’ James Ahebwa – Goalkeeper)
Subs Not Used:
Shafiq Kagimu, Mustapha Mujjuzi, Azake Luboyera, Martin Kizza
Rwanda XI:
Jimmy Nzeyurwanda (G.K), Ewing Ndagyimana (Patrick Ndikumana), Aman Niyonkuru, Ange Mutsinzi, Arafat Sibomana, Salum Yamini (77’ Innocent Nshuti), Jabel Manishiwe, Kevin Muhire, Abeddy Biramahire, Blaise Itangaishaka, Savio Nshuti Dominique
Subs Not Used:
Bonheur Hategekimana (G.K), Ilias Rucogoza, Janvier Bonane, Fred Ngabo Mucyco, Claude Ishimwe
Additional reporting by KawowoUga
