Kigali, Jan 7 (IANS) The football friendly match between Rwanda and Cameroon played in western Rwanda has ended in a 1-1 draw.
Rwanda on Wednesday evening kept their side of the bargain with supporters keeping morale alive after they scored in the first half at the Umuganda Stadium in the Rwandan border town of Rubavu, reports Xinhua.
Rwanda’s best moment came from centre back Abdul Rwatubyaye when he made header off Yannick Mukunzi’s corner to score minutes to the end of first half, sending more than 5000 spectators into a jubilation.
But in hindsight perhaps a little too much was expected of the Rwandan side which has a record of losing against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
The Cameroonians have won four times in the seven previous games between the two teams over the years.
An equalizer appeared 55 minutes into the second half by Moumi Ngamaleu.
It was unsatisfactory occasion for the Rwandan side, despite coach Johnny McKinstry making several substitutions, with the only thing worth remembering being that Amavubi dominated the game.
In second half, McKinstry substituted his players Dany Usengimana with Isaie Songa, Hegman Ngomirakiza with Kevin Muhire and Imran Nshimiyimana with Mohamed Mushimiyimana while Faustin Usengimana replaced Abdul Rwatubyaye, following an injury.
Goalkeeper Eric Ndayishimiye was replaced by Olivier Kwizera.
The contribution by players like team captain Jacques Tuyisenge yielded nothing, to the praise of Cameroon goalkeeper Hugo Nyambe.
Speaking to journalists, McKinstry looked visibly dissatisfied, admitting that his team wasted a lot of chances.
He, however, expressed confidence in his team ahead of the forthcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) due January 16 to February 7 in Rwanda.
The two teams were in a warm-up game ahead of CHAN finals.
Rwanda are in Group A along with Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, and Gabon while Cameroon are in Group B together with Angola, DR Congo and Ethiopia.
The stadium which hosted Wednesday’s game is one of the venues for the matches, and it will host Group D games.
Meanwhile, Cameroon head coach Martin Felix Ndtoungou Mpile appreciated that the Rwandan team had better chances in the game.
The Rwandan coach is yet to name his final squad for CHAN.