Uganda Cranes and Rwanda Amavubi Stars will face off tonight in the 2020 CHAN in Cameroon.
The game brings together two of the greatest rivals in East Africa.
We take a trip down the memory lane in 2013 when Uganda broke Rwanda’s hearts at the Cecafa Cup encounter held at Nyayo Stadium in Kenya.
It was a first group C meeting, pitting Uganda’s Micho against Eric Nshimiyimana’s Rwanda.
The Amavubi Stars dominated proceedings from onset, with Jean Claude and Jacques Tuyisenge causing all problems for Cranes defensive pair of Richard Kasagga and Savio Kabugo.
It was Cranes goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan who kept the score at bay – He kept out Emery Bayisenge’s freekick and denied Meddie Kagere before the hour-mark.
Uganda rarely threatened, with the team’s best chances falling on Joseph Mpande who shot direct at Rwanda keeper Jean Ndayishimiye.
In the closing stages, Uganda got what proved to be the winner – Dan ‘Mzee’ Sserunkuma breaking the deadlock in the 89th minute.
The then Gor Mahia striker raced on substitute Saidi Kyeyune’s through ball before bundling home to send the few fans into wild celebrations.
The 1-0 victory set the tone for the Cranes who later dispatched Eritrea and Sudan to top Group C as Rwanda finished a lowly third.
However, Uganda lost to Tanzania in the semis via shootouts.
Players Used:
Uganda Cranes XI – Benjamin Ochan, Nicholas Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi, Richard Kasagga, Savio Kabugo, Aucho Khalid, Geoffrey Kizito, Hamis Kiiza, Mpande Joseph, Daniel Sserunkuma and Brian Majwega
Substitutes: Ismael Watenga, Isaac Muleme, Julius Ntambi, Martin Mpuga, Ibrahim Kizza, Vincent Kayizzi, Saidi Kyeyune, Franco Oringa.
Rwanda XI – Jean Ndayishimye, Haruna Niyonzima, Ismael Nshutiyamagara, Emery Bayisenge, Ngirishuti Mwemere, Fitina Omberenga, Baptiste Mugiraneza, Meddie Kagere, Mushimiyimana Mohammad, Tuyisenge Jacques and Jean Claude Iranzi
Substitutes – Ndori Jean-Claude, Tubane James, Sibomana Abouba, Rushenganga Michel, Mugabo Ciyan, Twagizimana Fabrice, Nduhukira Micheal.
