Key Duels to Watch in South Sudan vs. Rwanda CHAN Qualifier

South Sudan’s Bright Stars are set to host Rwanda’s Amavubi on December 22 at Juba International Stadium in a pivotal qualification match for the 2024 African Nations Championship. The article highlights five key player duels, including Malish vs. Niyomugabo and Paulino vs. Niyigena, which may significantly influence the course of the game.

On December 22, South Sudan’s Bright Stars will confront Rwanda’s Amavubi at Juba International Stadium in the first leg of their two-legged tie for qualification to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Both teams demonstrated their capabilities in the previous rounds, with South Sudan defeating Kenya 3-1 and Rwanda topping Djibouti by the same score. The upcoming match is poised to be a gripping encounter marked by individual showdowns among talented players.

In one compelling duel, Ezibon Malish, a standout young talent from Jamus FC Juba, will challenge Rwanda’s left-back, Claude Niyomugabo. The 20-year-old Malish has proven his value to coach Nicholas Dupuis by scoring against Kenya and will seek to exploit Niyomugabo’s defense, which has proven resilient against esteemed wingers in previous matches.

Another notable confrontation will be between Johanna Paulino and Clement Niyigena. Paulino, who recently showcased his striking capability against Uganda, is known for his speed and agility. He will compete against Niyigena, recognized as one of the premier center-backs in the Rwandan league, who combines composure and goal-scoring ability, making this matchup particularly intriguing.

The midfield battle featuring Kevin Muhire and Peter Chol promises to be pivotal. Muhire, the captain and playmaker for the Amavubi, is adept at providing assists despite not being a consistent scorer. In contrast, Chol, South Sudan’s most capped player, offers a box-to-box presence, making the midfield contest a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the match.

Lastly, Tito Luckiir, a forward with significant potential from Simba FC Juba, will meet Gilbert Byiringiro, a solid defender known for his man-marking skills. The dynamic nature of Luckiir’s play could lead to an exciting interplay as Byiringiro seeks to mitigate his impact while also considering his own offensive contributions.

As South Sudan prepares to face Rwanda, the spotlight will be on these individual matchups that could significantly influence each team’s prospects in this critical qualification tie.

The upcoming match between South Sudan and Rwanda is a crucial phase in the qualification process for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Each team has shown resilience in prior rounds, with South Sudan securing a win against Kenya and Rwanda eliminating Djibouti. This match is a significant opportunity for both national teams to showcase their talents and strengthen their paths toward international competition. With the backdrop of both teams’ solid performances, anticipation builds around key individual duels that could turn the tide for either side in this tense and competitive environment.

In conclusion, the CHAN qualifier between South Sudan and Rwanda promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with strategic battles among talented players. The individual matchups, particularly involving Malish vs. Niyomugabo, Paulino vs. Niyigena, Muhire vs. Chol, and others, are expected to play a pivotal role in the outcome of the match. As both teams strive for qualification, the performance in these key duels will be critical in determining who takes a step closer to participating in the 2024 African Nations Championship.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw