Uganda 0-0 Rwanda: Spoils shared by East African outfits in Cameroon

Uganda 0-0 Rwanda: Spoils shared by East African outfits in Cameroon

Uganda and Rwanda opened their 2021 Chan campaign with a goalless draw at Stade de la Réunification in Douala on Monday night.

The two East African nations were meeting in the competition for the first time, but despite the many chances created, none managed to get the ball in the back of the net.

In the sixth minute, Rwanda had the first chance when the defenders let loose APR forward Jacques Tuyisenge just outside the 18-yard area. The skipper took a shot but Charles Lukwago was not troubled.

Amavubi settled earlier and their passes and patterns looked to trouble their opponents who looked to rely on counter-attacks earlier on.

The 2019 Cecafa champions were then pushed to an early substitution. Milton Karisa was injured in the 12th minute, and KCCA FC striker Brian Aheebwa, who is leading in the Ugandan Premier League with seven goals, replaced him.

Tuyisenge, once again, came close in the 20th minute, this time around heading the ball, from a corner, narrowly wide as the defenders slept on the job.

Cranes, finally, made a serious attempt in the 22nd minute when substitute Aheebwa unleashed a fierce strike from outside the 18-yard area, but it was deflected out for an unfruitful corner.

Once again it was Amavubi who came closest in the 30th minute. Muhadjiri Hakizimana picked a good ball about 30 yards from the goal and with the defenders reluctant to shut him down, he unleashed a rocket which came off the crossbar with Lukwago well beaten.

Amavubi were hungry for an opener, with Tuyisenge the tormentor-in-chief on the opposition danger zone. In the 40th minute, he beat both the defenders and the goalkeeper once again, but his header hit the outside of the woodwork for a goal kick. 

Both teams improved their game after the break, attacking and defending in equal measure to stand a chance of winning.

Despite chances being created, there was no one to take them owing to lack of composure in the danger zone.

Earlier on, defending champions Morocco defeated Togo by a solitary goal at the same venue.

The lone goal for the Atlas Lions came in the 27th minute from a penalty scored by Yahya Jabrane. 

The North Africa nation lead Group C with three points followed by Cranes and Amavubi who are on a point each. Togo are at the bottom with no point.

Uganda XI: Charles Lukwago (GK), Paul Willa, Mustafa Mujuzi, Patrick Mbowa, Aziz Kayondo, Shafiq Kagimu, Joachim Ojera, Bright Anukani, Abdul Karim Watambala, Milton Karisa, Vianney Ssekajugo.

Rwanda XI: Olivier Kwizera (GK), Fitina Omborenga, Ange Mutsinzi, Thierry Manzi, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Olivier Niyonzima, Rashid Kalisa, Bertrand Iradukunda, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Dominique Savio Nshuti, Jacques Tuyisenge.