Home Sports CAF U-17 Qualifiers: Rwanda Reach Semis after A 7-goal Thriller over Burundi

CAF U-17 Qualifiers: Rwanda Reach Semis after A 7-goal Thriller over Burundi

by Bonnie Mugabe
5:59 pm

Rwanda U-17 team forward Moise Nyarugabo seen against Burundian defenders. Nyarugabo scored a brace in the 4-3 win over Burundi on Tuesday at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Rwanda’s U17Junior Wasps powered into the semi-final of the CAF U-17 African Cup of Nations qualifiers after defeating neighbours Burundi 4-3 in a second Group A match played on Monday at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The Junior Wasps snatched an early lead in the 22nd minute through Moise Nyarugabo following a defensive blunder. Burundi equalized after four minutes later through Arsene Iradukunda.

Rodrigue Isingizwe and Keddy Nsanzimfura scored second and third goals in the 42nd and 45th minute. Rwanda went into half time leading 3-1.

In the second half, Moise Nyarugabo snatched a double, fourth goal for Rwanda in the 51st minute and his fourth overall in the competition.

With fifteen minutes to the end of the game, Rwanda was reduced to ten men after Jean Ishimwe received a second yellow card following a second bookable offence.

However, six minutes later Munaba Edson scored the second goal for Burundi before Iratanga Flavier scored the third goal for Burundi.

With one game remaining against Tanzania which will be played on Tuesday, August 21, Rwanda is already assured of a place in the last four with a maximum six points following their opening 3-1 victory against South Sudan on Saturday.

Action continues on Tuesday with Group B matches. South Sudan will host Djibouti at 1pm while Djibouti will take on Ethiopia at 4pm, all matches will be staged at Azam Sports Complex in Chamazi.

 The qualifiers of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations were modified early this year, with each of the six zones playing at their backyard to produce the winners that will contest for the Cup next year.

Tanzania has a direct ticket to the tournament by virtue of being the host nation.