CHAN 2018: The ball refuses to go in as Rwanda force Nigeria to a goalless draw
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group C opening gane between Rwanda’s Amavubi and Nigeria’s Super Eagles ended goalless in Tangier on Monday.
Super Eagles clearly dominated possession but Rwanda have goalkeeper Eric Ndayishimiye to thank for pulling brilliant saves.
Nigeria attacks started in the 9th minute when Faleye came close when his effort hit the crossbar after connecting with Ogbugh’s brilliant ball.
Amavubi made two significant attempts by Eric Rutanga and Bernabe Mubumbyi in the first half but both efforts produced nothing.
In the second stanza, Okgobue Kalu had the ball in the net in the 58th minute but was ruled offside by the referee.
A minute later, Nigeria had another chance but Stephen Eze’s header went wide.
Rwanda made two substitutions introducing Justin Mico for Mubumbyi to reinforce the striking line while Dominique Savio Nshuti replaced Abeddy Biramahire.
But it was Nigeria who continued to dominate the game and almost grabbed maximum points when Ali Rabiye forced Ndayishimiye to a save from Osas’s cross, however his shot went wide.
CHAN is a tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football exclusively for locally based players who ply their trade in domestic leagues.
Sixteen teams are participating in the tournament which is hosted by Morocco.
Nigeria: Ezenwa, Okoro, James, Atuloma, Okogbue, Eze, Ogbugh, Ifeanyi (Oladapo 60’), Okpotu (Mustapha 81’), Ali, Faleye (Okechukwu 83’)
Rwanda: Ndyishimiye, Bizimana, Mukunzi, Biramahire (Nshuti 54’), Niyonzima, Iradukunda, Usengimana, Manzi, Rutanga, Mubumbyi (Mico 47’), Kayumb
