Rwanda, Kenya settle for 1-1 draw

Hosts Rwanda have been held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Harambee Stars of Kenya in their second Group E match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifier played at the Stade Régional Nyamirambo.

Kenya’s skipper Micheal Olunga Ogada had his early attempt blocked after 4 minutes.

But the hosts also had Djihad Bizimana’s shot miss the target by  inches after 8 minutes.

Olunga soon gave Kenya the lead after 9 minutes when he capitalized on a blunder by Rwanda’s goalkeeper Emery Mvuyekure who spilled Daniel Sakari Macheso’s free-kick back into play.

But defender Abdoul Rwatubyaye leveled matters for Rwanda after 21 minutes with a fine header.

after the Kenyan defenders failed to clear their lines. Meddie Kagere came on for injured Lague Byiringiro before half time.

After recess the two teams came all out creating several scoring opportunities, but to no avail.

Olunga had the best chance when he dribbled past a defender in the box and fired over the goal after 57 minutes. The hosts also tried to push forward, but did not find the goal that could give them their first win in the campaign.

Mali who beat Rwanda in the opening match last week now top Group E, while kenya are in second place with two points. Uganda Cranes who hosts Mali on Monday are in third place, while the Amavubi of Rwanda are bottom.

Group E

                   P     W      D      L     GF   GA GD  Pts

Mali           1       1       0      0      1      0      0     3

Kenya        2       0       2      0      1      1      0     2

Uganda      1       0       1      0      0      0      0     1

Rwanda     2       0       1      1      1      2      -1    1