The game, filled with thrilling moments, tactical battles, and missed opportunities, left Rwandan supporters with a mix of pride and frustration.
The match kicked off with a solid defensive display from Rwanda, led by the trio of Thierry Manzi, Fitina Omborenga, and Ange Mutsinzi. Despite early pressure from Lesotho’s Lemohang Lintsa, Amavubi’s backline remained composed and absorbed the initial attacking threats with confidence.
In the 6th minute, Rwanda showed their attacking intent through intricate passing between Jojea Kwizera and Innocent Nshuti. Their combination play momentarily unsettled the Lesotho defense, but the final touch lacked precision.
Kwizera, looking lively from the start, attempted his first shot in the 15th minute, only to be denied by a well-positioned goalkeeper. The ensuing counterattack by Lesotho resulted in the first corner kick of the game, but Mutsinzi was alert to clear the danger.
Hakim Sahabo tested the Lesotho goalkeeper again in the 21st minute with a powerful shot, forcing a corner for Rwanda.
By the half-hour mark, Rwanda had dominated possession and created several promising opportunities. Their hunger for a breakthrough was evident, but Lesotho’s defensive resilience proved to be a formidable barrier.
On the 32nd minute, Kwizera delivered a precise free kick, but Lesotho’s goalkeeper parried it away for another corner. Mutsinzi rose to meet the corner with a strong header, but the ball whisked just wide of the post, leaving Rwanda agonizingly close to an opener.
With four minutes remaining in the first half, Kevin Muhire showcased his skill by dribbling past two defenders, only to lose control of the ball at the crucial moment.
Muhire redeemed himself moments later, setting up Kwizera with a perfect through pass. Kwizera’s shot was, however, deflected into another corner by the alert Lesotho goalkeeper.
In the dying moments of the half, Kwizera found himself with another golden opportunity, but his shot went wide, summing up Rwanda’s luckless first half. Three minutes of added time were played before the referee blew for halftime with the score still goalless.
The second half began with renewed urgency from both sides. In the 58th minute, Kevin Muhire thought he had finally broken the deadlock when he slotted the ball into the net.
However, his celebration was cut short as the referee ruled the goal out for a foul by Mutsinzi, who had collided with the Lesotho goalkeeper in the buildup.
Lesotho made two substitutions shortly after, injecting fresh energy into their lineup. But in the 65th minute, Amavubi’s persistence paid off when Kwizera calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, sending the Rwandan fans into wild celebrations. The goal was a deserved reward for Rwanda’s relentless attacking efforts.
Four minutes later, tempers flared when Lesotho’s Motlomelo Mkhwanazi was shown a yellow card for a reckless foul on Claude Niyomugabo. Amavubi’s coach, furious at what he deemed an overly lenient decision, protested strongly and was also shown a yellow card for his animated reaction.
As the game neared its conclusion, Rwanda’s defense stood firm, with the backline tirelessly repelling Lesotho’s attempts to equalize. York Rafael and Samuel Gueulette were introduced in place of Sahabo and Nshuti in the closing minutes as Rwanda looked to consolidate their lead.
However, heartbreak struck late on when Lesotho’s Neo Mokhachane capitalized on a rare defensive lapse to score an equalizer with just minutes remaining.
The stunned Amavubi side pushed forward in search of a winner, and in the 90th minute, Gilbert Mugisha squandered a glorious chance, missing a free header that could have sealed the victory.
The referee added four more minutes, but neither side could find the decisive goal. Finally, Antoine Max Depadoux Effaessouma blew the final whistle, confirming a frustrating draw for Rwanda.
Despite dominating much of the game, Amavubi will rue their missed chances, while Lesotho will be relieved to have salvaged a point. As Rwanda looks ahead, they will need to sharpen their finishing to turn their impressive play into decisive victories in future matches.
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