CHAN 2016: Rwanda and Coach McKinstry have defeated Gabon 2-1, moving to the quarter-finals of CHAN for the first time in their history (20 Jan 2016).

Rwanda have secured their place in the quarter finals, finishing top of Group A with a game in hand. In doing so they become the first Amavubi team to reach the last 8 of a continental tournament.

Ernest SUGIRA (16) scored two goals to take the Amavubi to two wins from two games and, in securing them a minimum of 6 points, ensure that they progress to the Quarter finals.

 

Rwanda moved ahead just before half-time with a goal from Sugira at 38 minutes when he follwed through on a cleared close range effort from team-mate Jacques TUYISENGE (9, Cpt)

 

Just moments into the second half Sugira put himself on the score-sheet again when just outside the box he turned inside his defender and put in a superb strike on goal (picture).

 

Gabon however took advantage of an overexcited Rwandan crowd and team when they pulled one back around 5 minutes later through Aaron Boupendza, heading in at the 53rd minute.

 

Rwanda regained composure and continue to make repeated assaults on the Gabon defence. Tchen Kabi (6) was sent off when he picked up his second yellow of the game, following a foul on Dominique Savio NSHUTI (11).

 

One man down, Gabon sought to apply the pressure required to stay in the tournament, coming close in the dying minutes when they had a free-kick from just outside the penalty area hit the crossbar.

 

The win meant Rwanda not only stayed top of Group A, but also became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals. Later in the day, the win by Cote d'Ivoire over Morocco meant that Rwanda had, with a game in hand, won Group A.

 

Rwanda now face on Morocco on Sunday 24th January in the third and final fixture of Group A at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali.

 

'Man of the Match'

Amavubi Striker Ernest SUGIRA (16) was voted Man of the Match.

 

Squad

Rwanda Team	Substitutes
Eric NDAYISHIMIYE (1) Amran NSHIMIYIMANA (5) Yannick MUKUNZI (6) Emery BAYISENGE (8) Jacques TUYISENGE (9, Cpt) Jean-Claude IRANZI(12) Fitina OMBORENGA (13) Celestin NDAYISHIMIYE (14) Ernest SUGIRA (16) Innocent HABYARIMANA (17) Abdul RWATUBYAYE (22)	Michel RUSHESHANGOGA (2) Mwemere NGIRINSHUTI (3) Djihad BIZIMANA (4) Rashid KALISA (7) Dany USENGIMANA (10) Dominique Savio NSHUTI (11) Fuastin USENGIMANA (15) Olivier KWIZERA (18) Yussufu HABIMANA (19) Hegman NGOMIRAKIZA (20) Fiston MUNEZERO (21) Jean Claude NDORI (23)

 

Post Match Interview with Coach McKinstry and Ernest Sugira.

VIDEO (4 minutes): Coach McKinstry sets out how he, his technical staff and the Amavubi worked to overcome Gabon, and why he thought Ernest Sugira was the right choice for the game. Ernest Sugira talks about the 2 goals he scored against Gabon and being awarded Man of the Match'.

 

Match Highlights 

Photo Highlights

You can click any of the pictures below to see a full screen version of the picture.  You can then also choose to click the play arrow to watch a slide show of all images.

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Video Highlights

Match highlights (3:22) courtesy of CAF TV

 

Media

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Download Pictures (for Media Use)

See www.johnnymckinstry.com/gallery to download pictures for use in press reporting or social media (terms apply)

 

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