Rwanda 2-0 Malawi Zanzibar 0-0 Eritrea
A goal apiece in each half was enough for Rwanda’s Amavubi to start the Cecafa Tusker Cup 2012 on a high with a 2-0 win over Malawi in their opening game of group C played at Mandela national stadium, Namboole.
Rwanda thought they had taken the lead in 8th minute through Jimmy Mbagara but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Jean Baptiste Muginereza however gave Mitcho’s side a 38th minute lead after he tapped in a low cross from left back Mwemere Ngiritushi who left the Malawi defence for dead with a nice piece of skill.
Before that however, Malawi’s Joseph Kamwendo, Chimango Kayira and Green Harawa had threatened to break the deadlock but Rwanda’s number 1 Jean Claude Ndoli was up to the task.
The first half whistle from Uganda referee Ali Kalyango meant that Rwanda ended the opening 45 minutes on top.
After recess, Malawi came out the better side piling pressure on the Rwanda defence earning close to five corners in the opening six minutes of the second half.
Joseph Kamwendo and Green Harawa were tormenting the Rwanda defence at this time with custodian Jean Claude Ndoli brilliantly making saves to keep the Rwanda into the lead.
In the 78th minute, skipper Haruna Niyonzimana doubled the 1999 champions’ lead with a well worked sole effort after rounding the Malawi defence.
From then on, Rwanda regained control of the game and came close to making it 3-0 but substitute Dady Borili and Jean Baptiste Muginereza missed clear cut chances.
The win lifts Rwanda on top of group C with 3 points while Malawi remains rooted to the bottom with no point after Eritrea and Zanzibar the other members in the group drew goal less. You can click here to view upcoming fixtures and past results
