Home Sports Rwanda to Face Zambia in CAF U-20 Qualifier after Knocking Out Kenya

Rwanda to Face Zambia in CAF U-20 Qualifier after Knocking Out Kenya

by Bonnie Mugabe
8:19 am

Rwanda U20 striker Byiringiro Lague seen dribbling past Kenyan defender on Saturday held them to a barren draw to progress to the second round of the CAF U20 Qualifiers. Courtesy Photo

Rwanda’s U-20 National Team, Junior Wasps face qualified to the second round of the CAF U-20 Qualifiers were they will face defending champions Zambia.

On Saturday, Rwanda held Kenya to a barren draw to earn qualification to the second round of the 2019 CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Rwanda hosted Kenya in a return leg of the first round of the CAF U-20 qualifiers on Saturday at Stade de Kigali. The two sides played a barren draw at Stade de Kigali, a result that ensured the hosts’ progress to the next phase of the competition courtesy of the away goals rule.

Rwanda had secured a 1-all draw in the first leg played in Machakos with Byiringiro Lague scoring a consolation goal.

On Saturday, Coach Mashami Vincent maintained the side that played the first leg while Kenya coach Stanley Okumbi recalled Ovella Ochieng in his bid to sharpen his attack.

The Junior Wasps staged a brilliant tactical display as they denied Kenya some goal scoring opportunities while defending well to safeguard their away goal.

This outcome sent Rwanda to the second round of the continental qualifiers were they will face tournament’s defending champions Zambia in the next round of the competition as the race to qualify for the 16-team youth tournament in Niger gathers pace.

The second round qualifying  matches are scheduled to be played next month with the eventual winner earning a spot to the third and final qualification round which will be staged in July this year.

The overall winner will earn an automatic spot to participate in next year’s Africa U-20 Tournament which will be held in Niger.