Rwanda Seizes Victory Over South Sudan Yet Falls Short of CHAN…

Rwanda defeated South Sudan 2-1 in their CHAN 2024 Qualifying second leg but failed to qualify for the finals. Despite the win, Sudan’s aggregate victory over Ethiopia limited Rwanda’s chances. The team, under Jimmy Mulisa, showcased early control but missed key opportunities, including a penalty. Rwanda’s effort ultimately led to their elimination as they await the CAF’s decision regarding additional team invitations.

Rwanda faced South Sudan on December 28, triumphing 2-1 in the second leg of the CHAN 2024 Qualifying second round at Amahoro Stadium. Despite the victory, Rwanda’s overall aggregate placement meant they would not secure a spot in the CHAN 2024 finals, as Sudan had already earned qualifications by overcoming Ethiopia in the aggregate rounds. Coach Jimmy Mulisa implemented several changes from the previous match, and the Amavubi gained early control of the game.

Although Rwanda exerted significant pressure, they encountered several missed opportunities in the first half, including a penalty unsuccessfully taken by skipper Kevin Muhire. Muhire later redeemed himself by scoring a goal, and Rwanda increased their lead to 2-0. South Sudan responded with a late goal, but it was insufficient to alter the outcome, leaving Rwanda to contemplate their elimination from the tournament.

The Championship of African Nations (CHAN) is a prestigious tournament for national teams comprised of players from their domestic leagues. Qualifying for the finals can be highly competitive, particularly for teams within the CECAFA region, which encompasses East and Central African nations. Rwanda’s quest for participation in the CHAN 2024 finals involved a series of qualifying matches that ultimately culminated in their disappointing elimination despite their recent win over South Sudan. This situation is further complicated by the withdrawal of Libya and Tunisia, leaving room for potential additional teams in the finals, thus providing Rwanda with a tentative opportunity for inclusion.

In summary, Rwanda’s recent victory over South Sudan did not suffice for qualification to the CHAN 2024 finals due to their overall aggregate performance. As they reflect on missed opportunities and assess their strategies for future competitions, there remains a faint possibility that Rwanda could still find a pathway to participate in the upcoming tournament should the Confederation of African Football invite additional teams. The outcome highlights both the competitive nature of the qualifiers and the unpredictable dynamics of tournament access amidst withdrawals.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw