Ethiopia and Rwanda were both left frustrated, as the two sides played out to 0-0 draw in a 2023 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The match, which was a home game for Walia Ibex, was played in Dar es Salaam after their grounds were deemed to be unfit for international matches.
Mignot could have given Walia the lead in the sixth minute but the full back headed well wide of the target from Asrat corner.
Bonheur Mugisha came close to giving Rwanda the lead in the 13th minute, the striker managed to outpace Ethiopia defence before firing an effort just wide of Fasil post.
Ramadhan Niyibizi squandered a chance to give the visitors the lead in the 18th minute but the Amavubi forward blasted wide of the target from close range, after being set up by Latif Bishira.
Rwanda nearly went ahead in the 23rd minute as Ali Serumogo close range header drew a fine save from Asrat.
Ethiopia were pushing for the opener and were nearly rewarded in the 34th minute as Dawa’s long range strike went inches wide of the right-hand post.
Amavubi were presented with the first opportunity of the half when Haruna Niyonzima ballooned his effort over the bar from the edge of the area.
A minute later and Jean Iranduka went even closer, the Rwanda midfielder danced past a few challenges before firing inches wide of the right-hand post.
Ethiopia’s Gatoch Panom came close in the 55th minute with a strike from the edge of the area that flew just wide of the post.
The next clear cut opportunity in the second half fell to Rwanda’s Nyingena as the defender’s powerful shot from the edge of the area struck the upright.
Mugisha nearly won it for the home side in the 87th minute but the midfielder’s long range effort drew a fine save from Fasil.
The tie will now be decided in the second leg which will take place in Rwanda during the first weekend of September.
