Rwanda faces Tanzania in a crucial CECAFA U20 match on October 13, 2024. With Rwanda needing a win to avoid elimination after only securing one point thus far, and Tanzania having won two of their last three matches, the encounter is expected to be intensely competitive. Coaches of both teams express strong hopes for their respective squads as the stakes intensify.
Rwanda is set to face hosts Tanzania at the Azam Sports Complex on Sunday, October 13, in a crucial match that may determine their advancement in the 2024 CECAFA U20 tournament. This encounter marks the fourth contest for the Ngorongoro Boys, while Rwanda will be competing in their third match. The stakes are high for Rwanda, as they hover on the edge of elimination, having garnered merely one point from six available thus far. Following a 1-0 defeat to Sudan in their opener, Rwanda showed signs of improvement by securing a goalless draw against Kenya. Conversely, Tanzania is on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stage, having triumphed in two out of their last three fixtures. Their tournament commenced ominously with a surprising 2-1 loss to Kenya; however, they made a remarkable recovery by demolishing Djibouti with a 7-0 victory and subsequently edging past Sudan with a 1-0 win. Tanzania’s coach, Charles Boniface Mkwasa, expressed optimism regarding his team’s performance, stating, “The players gave their best and we are happy to register our second win now. I hope we can go win the trophy.” Contesting against Rwanda, the hosts will depend on the efforts of Sheikhan Khamis, who scored the decisive goal against Sudan, alongside Valentino Kussngama and Zidane Sereri, both of whom delivered outstanding performances in their previous match. In contrast, Rwanda’s coach, Eric Nshimiyimana, is expected to maintain Fils Habineza in goal, who earned accolades as the standout player during the match against Kenya. Key players such as Thierry Musabyimana, Sultan Sibomana, and Jesus Paul Sindi performed admirably against Kenya and will need to replicate this excellence to secure a favorable result. For Rwanda, victory is imperative; however, achieving it against the resilient Tanzanian side will undoubtedly present a formidable challenge.
The CECAFA U20 tournament brings together junior teams from East and Central Africa to compete for regional supremacy. Both Rwanda and Tanzania are seeking to advance in this year’s competition, making their upcoming match critical. Tanzania, as the host nation, has an advantage that they aim to leverage in their efforts to clinch the title. Rwanda, on the other hand, must overcome their poor start in the tournament to avoid an early exit.
In summary, the impending match between Rwanda and Tanzania stands as a pivotal moment in the CECAFA U20 tournament. Rwanda must secure a win to remain in contention for advancement, while Tanzania aims to capitalize on their recent successes to progress confidently. The outcome of this match is poised to have substantial implications for both teams’ tournament aspirations.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
