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ZONAL AFCON U-17 QUALIFIERS: Tanzania too good for hosts Rwanda
Striker Omr Abass Mvungi netted a goal in each half to help the Serengeti Boys of Tanzania defeat hosts Rwanda 3-1 in the first Group B match at the on-going Zonal Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) U-17 qualifiers.
After 10 minutes at the Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu, Kassimu Yahaya found the Rwanda defenders flat footed before releasing a hard shot to give Tanzania a 1-0 lead.
It was Mvungi’s turn to get his name on the score sheet when he chipped Rwanda’s advancing goalkeeper Yvan Ruhamyankiko after 14 minutes to make it 2-0.
But the Rwanda team continued to battle with purpose before they got a penalty in the 18th minute. A Tanzania defender handled the ball in the box and Rwanda’s Eric Irihamye made no mistake from the spot when he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Tanzania continued to create several scoring opportunities, but found Rwanda’s goalkeeper Ruhamyankiko up to the task.
In the second half Tanzania showed more hunger for goal, but had to wait till the 61st minute when Mvungi showed his hard work in the box before he scored to make it 3-1. Mvungi joined the team early this week after arriving from Saudi Arabia where he was part of the U-20 national team playing international friendly matches.
Later Rwanda were awarded another penalty in the 78th minute when Abubakari Lubotile brought down Rwanda’s Salim Saleh in the box. This time Eric Irihamye missed the opportunity to get his name on the score sheet again his penalty kick hit the pole and bounced back into play.
Tanzania picked three yellow cards in the game, while Rwanda had two. Maalim Swalehe Mohamed, the Tanzania coach said he was happy that his team started the tournament with a win.
“It is always difficult to play a host nation. But I am glad my boys played well and won the game scoring three goals,” added the Tanzanian coach.
Action will return on Wednesday with two games on card as Uganda Cubs take on Kenya and Djibouti face Tanzania.
The best two teams will qualify for the Afcon U-17 to take place in Morocco next year.