Rwanda Stun Mozambique to Open AFCON 2017 Qualifiers with Victory
Rwanda made a dream start to their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a shock 1-0 win over Mozambique in Maputo on Sunday.
The Amavubi (The Wasps) struck early through striker Ernest Sugira, who found the back of the net in the 4th minute to silence the home crowd. The visitors defended resolutely for the remainder of the match, holding firm to secure all three points in their Group H opener.
It was a clinical and composed performance from Johnny McKinstry’s side, who came into the match as underdogs but showed organisation and purpose from the outset. The early goal proved to be enough, as Mozambique struggled to break down Rwanda’s disciplined defensive shape.
The result temporarily places Rwanda at the top of Group H with three points, ahead of the later fixture between Ghana and Mauritius. Ghana, one of the group favourites, are expected to mount a strong challenge for qualification, but Rwanda’s early success could inject new life into the group dynamics.
The win is a major boost for Rwanda’s qualification hopes and a statement of intent from a team often overlooked in continental competitions. If they can build on this result, the Wasps could be in contention for a place in Gabon in 2017.
