Rwanda defeated South Sudan 2-1 in the second leg of the CHAN 2024 Qualifiers but did not qualify for the finals. Sudan’s victories over Ethiopia secured their spot. Caretaker coach Jimmy Mulisa made strategic changes, witnessing a mix of opportunities and challenges throughout the match.
Rwanda triumphed over South Sudan with a 2-1 victory in the second leg of the CHAN 2024 Qualifying match held at Amahoro Stadium; however, this win was insufficient for their qualification. Although Rwanda showed early promise and controlled possession, their overall performance in the aggregate series did not secure them a position in the finals, as Sudan’s victories over Ethiopia confirmed their advancement from the CECAFA region. Coach Jimmy Mulisa altered the lineup, introducing three new starters compared to the first leg.
The match commenced with Rwanda dominating possession, yet they failed to convert their opportunities into goals until the 37th minute, when Didier Mugisha capitalized on a rebound to achieve the opening goal. The Amavubi squad continued to press forward, yet a penalty miss by team captain Kevin Muhire exemplified some of the challenges faced. In the second half, Rwanda secured a 2-0 lead following Muhire’s successful finish, only for South Sudan to respond with a late goal, resulting in a final score of 2-1. Despite their victory, Rwanda’s exclusion from the finals became evident as Sudan progressed, although there remains a potential for qualification through CAF’s selection of substitute teams. In conclusion, while Rwanda exhibited resilience and capability on the field, their overall qualification bid fell short, leaving them to seek alternative opportunities for participation in the tournament.
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) is a significant competition for national teams made up of players who compete in their domestic leagues. The 2024 edition is particularly competitive, with regional qualifiers determining participation. Rwanda, known as the Amavubi, was under the guidance of caretaker coach Jimmy Mulisa in the absence of their head coach. Following a challenging first leg against South Sudan, this second leg became crucial for Rwanda’s hopes of reaching the finals. However, the aggregate results from their qualification series and the performance of competing teams ultimately dictated their exclusion despite a spirited display on home soil.
In summary, while Rwanda secured a commendable victory against South Sudan, it was not enough to qualify for the CHAN 2024 finals due to prior results against Sudan. The match showcased Rwanda’s strengths and weaknesses, including missed opportunities and a penalty failure, yet it also highlighted their resilience and competitive spirit. The possibility of further participation remains with CAF’s upcoming decisions on withdrawals, leaving a faint glimmer of hope for the Amavubi.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
