Africa Cup of nations Championship host Rwanda opened their tournament with a 1-0 victory over the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday.
Bayisenge Emery solitary goal was enough for Johnny McKinstry’s men to put smiles on the faces of Rwandans. In a heart-pumpig encounter the Ivorians were outclassed as the atmosphere made it difficult for the Les Elephants to find their feet.
The ‘baby Elephants’ devised the rugged strategy and it led to heavy which the beautu of the game as it was dominated by fouls in the middle of the park.
Rwandans alacrity and hard work paid dividends 22 minutes as man of the day Bayisenge Emery free-kick flew into the net.
Ivory coast responded to the wake up call and pushed bodies up the pitch. A promising cross from the right flank almost gave them equaliser, but Ali Sangare gathered with aplomb.
At the other end of the pitch, a cushion was almost achieved when Innocent Habyarimana unleashed a pile driver, but it went wide and flew into the stands.
Michel Dussuyer’s side regrouped and hoped to make use of their strength to bamboozle their way through. Probing questions were asked but Rwanda had answers.
Amavubi marshalled the middle of park and looked to be from a different planet from the others. His superiority showed in every aspect of his game.
Cote d’Ivoire looked to have settled in the game and took control of proceedings as the pendulum swang onto their side. Boua delivered a pin-point cross but it failed to meet the intended target and it sailed across the face of goal.
With recess fast approaching, Cote d’Ivoire looked the much better side but their final balls were nothing to write home about. When they finally to seem t curve an edge, Boua couldn’t connect to finish after interplay left him one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Cote d’Ivoire were rejuvenated in the second half, dictating play and doing everything right but only a goal was lacking. However, the hosts were awarded a penalty when Isenge was brought down in the box. Emery took responsibility but his attempt was saved by Sangare in the 60th minute.
The host lost their tempo after the penalty miss and Cote d’Ivoire the advantage but Dussuyer’s men could only keep under pressure without any end product. Hard luck smiled at Guiza as ferocious shot caught goalkeeper Ndayishimiye on the hook, but the woodwork saved Rwanda as they failed to wake up from their siesta.
Ivory Coast would feel they deserve at least a point, but in the end, McKinstry’s side held onto their slender lead from the first half amd chased the Elephants into the bush.
Bayisenge Emery Send Elephants To Kigali Bush
