Rwanda defeated South Sudan 2-1 in the second leg of the CHAN 2024 Qualifiers, yet failed to qualify for the finals due to Sudan’s success over Ethiopia in their tie. Despite a strong performance, including a missed penalty and critical late-game chances, Rwanda could not secure a qualification, though future opportunities may arise from CAF’s pending selections.
Rwanda secured a 2-1 victory over South Sudan in the second leg of the CHAN 2024 Qualifying second round at Amahoro Stadium on December 28. However, the win was insufficient for Coach Jimmy Mulisa’s team to qualify for the finals, as Sudan had triumphed over Ethiopia in their tie, thus claiming the last remaining spot from the CECAFA region. Mulisa made strategic changes to the lineup from the previous match, injecting new energy into the team.
The match began with Rwanda dominating possession, showcasing their intent to exert control early on. Notable chances fell to players like Arsene Tuyisenge and team captain Kevin Muhire, who were instrumental in creating pressure on South Sudan’s defense. Rwanda opened the scoring in the 37th minute, when Didier Mugisha capitalized on a rebound after Tuyisenge’s shot hit the post. Despite a missed penalty by Muhire before halftime, Rwanda led 1-0 as the half concluded.
In the second half, Rwanda continued to assert their dominance, and Muhire eventually scored a second goal in the 56th minute, reinforcing their lead. South Sudan, struggling to mount an effective offense, found themselves trailing with little chance of a comeback. A late goal from South Sudan’s David Sebit did give them hope, but it was not enough to secure a positive result. Rwanda’s missed opportunities in the closing stages of the match ultimately prevented a more comprehensive victory, solidifying their exit from the competition.
As it stands, Rwanda is out of the qualifying picture for CHAN 2024, having lost the ticket to Sudan. Nevertheless, there remains a slight opportunity for the Amavubi, as CAF has not yet selected the two teams to replace Libya and Tunisia, who withdrew from the tournament.
This match illustrates the growing competitiveness in the CECAFA region’s football scene, highlighting both the potential of Rwandan football and the challenges they face on the international stage.
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) is a biennial football tournament exclusively for players active in their national leagues. The 2024 tournament, scheduled to be held in Ivory Coast, will see national teams from across Africa compete for the title. The CECAFA region, comprising Eastern and Central African teams, is a significant part of the qualification process. Rwandan football has seen significant development in recent years, but despite the proactive performance against South Sudan, they fell short of qualifying for the prestigious tournament this cycle.
In summary, although Rwanda demonstrated commendable performance and skill during their match against South Sudan, their victory was not enough to secure a spot in the CHAN 2024 finals. The team’s missed opportunities and the ultimate success of Sudan over Ethiopia meant Rwanda’s journey in the tournament has come to an end. However, with ongoing developments from CAF regarding other team selections, a path could still exist for the Amavubi to participate in this international football event.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
