Tanzania, Rwanda back in contention

Jan 05, 2009

INSPIRED by amended game-strategies and maximum efficiency, Rwanda and Tanzania rescued their faltering CECAFA championship-winning prospects with priceless victories yesterday.

By Fred Kaweesi

Senior Challenge Cup
Group A
Rwanda 3 Somalia 0
Tanzania 2 Zanzibar 1

INSPIRED by amended game-strategies and maximum efficiency, Rwanda and Tanzania rescued their faltering CECAFA championship-winning prospects with priceless victories yesterday.

The two improved footballing nations had registered stunning defeats at the hands of Uganda (4-0) and the usually hapless Somalia (1-0) respectively in their opening cup fixtures.

But a brace from Eric Gasana and Kamana Bokota’s effort in the second half, first helped Rwanda outclass Somalia before Iddi Athuman struck a late winner to hand Tanzania a 2-1 victory over Zanzibar in the second game of the day.

Athumani’s well-struck free kick on 78 minutes proved the difference between the two sides that had almost conspired to settle for a draw in a game both sides gave as much against the other - physically and tactically.

It took an opportunistic header from Tanzanian forward Danny Mrwanda to prize-open a Zanzibar side that had just like in the Uganda match, assembled numbers behind the ball and always looking to make that occasional break.

The islanders were deservedly rewarded from a similar situation, Haroub Nadir, planting home the equalizer on 21 minutes to level scores and set a pulsating end to the game.

“We needed nerves and experience to settle the game, since Zanzibar were very organized defensively and we achieved that. There is no favourite in the Group. The group is now open,” Tanzania boss Marcio Maximo stated.

The results mean Uganda maintain top spot in the group, on a one-goal difference ahead of Zanzibar and just a point ahead of Rwanda, Tanzania and Somalia.

Uganda, with four points now, must beat Somalia in their third game tomorrow to guarantee any hopes of qualification.

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