Rwanda coach confident they can build on Uganda draw

Emmanuel Imanishimwe of Rwanda is challenged by Musitafa Mujuzi of Uganda during the 2021 Chan game between Rwanda and Uganda at Stade de la Reunification in Doula, Cameroon on 18 January 2021 © Alain Guy Suffo/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Jan 20, 2021. 12:00

Rwanda national team coach Vincent Mashami has expressed confidence that Amavubi can build on their stalemate with Uganda in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this week.

The East African rivals played out a 0-0 draw in their Group C opener in Douala on Monday night. The result leaves Rwanda and Uganda tied in second place, two points behind leaders Morocco (who defeated Togo 1-0 earlier the same day).

“I believe that we still need to do better at creating chances, the chances we did create were the ones that came through a level of build-up play and moving the ball effectively,” said Mashami, as quoted by The New Times.

“We showed good movement both on the ball and off it in the first and second half, and it’s going to be interesting to sit down and re-watch the game and dissect it.”

Rwanda will next face Morocco on Friday evening, and Mashami hopes his players take some valuable lessons from their stalemate with the Cranes.

“We tried our best but it wasn’t enough, so now we have to focus on the next game against Morocco, which we have to win,” said the Amavubi coach.

“I have asked the players to show the same spirit and be ruthless if we are to have a chance of winning.”

The other Group C match on Friday sees Uganda face Togo.