CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup: Burundi humble Eritrea 3-0

Burundi have won their opening match in the on-going CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

After the Pool B match was abandoned yesterday because of heavy rain, Burundi made sure they added two more goals in the remaining 44 minutes today to win 3-0.

Ismael Nsihimirimana gave the Burundi team the lead after 16 minutes with a well taken free kick on Tuesday to beat the Eritrean goalkeeper Kibrom Solomon Haile. Eritrea tried to fight back, but failed to penetrate the Burundian back-line.
Today when the match was restarted today at the Bahir Dar Stadium, Burundi made sure they contained the Eritrean team giving them no chance to play the passing game.

Filmon Tumzghi Esfha and Deyben Gibstawi Hinsteq missed two quick chances for Eritrea in the first 5 minutes.
After 53 minutes Abdourahmani Rukundo made it 2-0 for Burundi with a low drive past the Eritrean goalkeeper. Minutes later Eritrea’s captain Robiel Teclemichael Bahta blasted a shot over the bar.

Eritrea tried to push forward to find a goal, but failed to take their chances. Issa Hakizimana headed in to make it 3-0 for Burundi after 81 minutes after he capitalized on a well taken Issa Hubert Nsabimana free kick.

Burundi now top Pool B with three points and three goals, while Ethiopia are in second place, and Eritrea are bottom.
Jimmy Ndayizeye, the Burundi coach praised his players for the good display. “I am happy we have started with a win against a strong side. We now need to prepare well ahead of the match with Ethiopia,” added Ndayizeye.

The second game of the day will see South Sudan face Kenya in a Pool C match, and Tanzania will battle DR Congo in the last game of the day.