Tanzania in a thriller secured a 3-2 win over Rwanda in day 2 of the CECAFA Women’s Championship. Asha Rashid of Tanzania Kilimanjaro Queens was the heroine. The striker earlier took advantage of a defensive error and scored a stunner in the fifth minute, to push her side one win closer to the semifinals.
It seemed earlier in the game that a ball fumble at the half way mark and a well struck 20 yards shot for goal had blunder Rwanda’s progression hopes. But things further turned around when Rwanda’s She-Amavubi maintained their focus at goal using pressure and persistence as a strategy to get goals.
Two goals from a well delivered free-kick and own goal going into the half time, brought the game back to level.
The first half score ignited the Rwandans who were inspired to pursue with more pressure that got them the equalizing goals and looked to take charge of the score line.
But all the focus was disrupted by a counter-attack from midfield. Rashid met well with a right flank pass from Omari Mwanahamisi to send the ball past goalkeeper Judith Nyirabashyitsi for a match winner.
Rwanda will need a definite win over Ethiopia on Sept. 14 to hold on to a semifinal slot. In a pre-tournament interview, the Head Coach Grace Nyinawumuntu had acknowledged the difficulty each match will present.
“Every team in the tournament is good but we hope to have a good tournament, and try to go as far as we possibly can,” Nyinawumuntu said.
But Rwanda is short of shying away. The tourney has been an excitement build-up for a team seeking continental dominance. The former Rwanda international center-back expressed optimism in hope of advancing past the group stages.
Nyinawumuntu has taken the team through intensive preparations in time for the competition. During one of the training sessions at Kigali Regional Stadium, Nyinawumuntu told Times Sport, “I think we have a very good chance to win the tourney because we are hungry for that…. I am working hard in every aspect of the team… We are confident that the players will be ready for the challenge ahead.”
Even though Rwanda is not rated amongst the title hopefuls, the nation still believes in her potential to win. Rwanda has brought her best to CECAFA and when they meet Ethiopia, the She-Amavubi coach will look to a better approach in hopes of getting the team, their first win.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Our mission is to win the Championship in Uganda. We have a good squad which has trained well and we are confident of achieving this target.”[/perfectpullquote]
As per the revival of CECAFA Women Football Championship, the tournament is a boost to women’s’ football in the region. The games make a come-back after nearly 30 years of obsoleteness since the reigning champions and former hosts, Zanzibar last won in 1986.
CECAFA Secretaty General, Nicholas Musonye in approval of the tournamen, confirmed complete preparations prior to the games. Musonye said, “I am happy the women football returns to the CECAFA menu after 30 years of absence. We have planned well to have this tournament run.”
Featured Photo: Tanzania’s Asha Rashid got the last goal to clinch a win over Rwanda (supersport.com)
