Cecafa U-15 Challenge Cup: Rwanda beat Ethiopia to go top of Group B

Rwanda’s Junior Wasps have gone top of Group B in the on-going Cecafa U-15 Challenge Cup after their 3-0 win over Ethiopia in a game played at the Asmara National Stadium on Wednesday.

Coach Solomon Meka’s Ethiopia started with a defensive approach, but could not contain the attacking Rwanda team.

After 10 minutes Ethiopia’s Tesfaye Tamiray Korme had a chance to score but shot wide. Moments later Siradji Iradukunda had his attempt miss the target before he made amends in the 36^th minute to give Rwanda a 1-0 lead.

In a space of two minutes Pacifique Iradukunda made it 2-0 for Rwanda when he out paced the Ethiopian defenders. Rwanda’s Skipper Kenedy Hoziyana increased the lead on 39 minutes as the game headed for recess.

In the second half the Ethiopian team changed their style of play to defending deep in their half.

Usman Hamza Habtamu had a chance for the Ethiopian team but was over powered in the box by a defender who cleared out of danger.

The win takes Rwanda top of Group B with six points and a better goal difference than Uganda who have the same points. The two top teams with six points each will clash on Friday in what promises to be a thriller. Rwanda’s coach Yves Rwasamanzi praised his players for the good display after the game. “We are happy to go top of the group, but we must prepare for the game against Uganda next,” he added.

Meka, the Ethiopian coach made it clear this is good exposure for his young team. “They are surely learning from such games,” he added.

The Cecafa U-15 Challenge Cup supported by FIFA will climax on August 30^th.

Group B table standings

P   W   D   L   GF  GA   A  Pts

Rwanda   2    2    0   0    6    0     6    6

Uganda   2    2    0   0    5    0     5    6

Tanzania  3    1    0   1    6    2    -4    3

Ethiopia   3    0    1   2    1    7    -6    1

S.Sudan   3    0    1   2    1   10   -9    1