Burundi women stun Rwanda to seal CECAFA semi slot

Group A

Uganda 5-0 Djibouti

Rwanda 1-2 Burundi

Buikwe, Ugnada | THE INDEPENDENT | Burundi put up a stunning performance Friday to defeat Rwanda in a closely contested Group A encounter at the ongoing CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship.

Both teams came out blazing and treated the fans to a good display but it was Burundi that got the edge to eventually win 2-1.

Sandra Niyonkuru bagged a brace for Burundi while Rwanda got their consolation goal through Zawadi Usanase.

Niyonkuru who is the leading scorer at the Championship with four goals broke the deadlock with arguably the best of the tournament so far.

The industrious forward lobed the ball beyond on rushing goalkeeper Judth Nyirabashyitsi in the 17^th minute.

Rwanda however fought back to level matters through Usanase 20 minutes later. She was quick to send a low drive past goalkeeper Ariella Umurerwa.

The decisive moment of the game came a quarter to fulltime when substitute Aniella Uwimana was fouled in the box and Burundi were awarded with a penalty.

Niyonkuru did no mistake to score from the resultant penalty, sending goalkeeper Nyirabashyitsi the wrong way.

The result therefore meant Burundi joined Uganda as the two teams to qualify from Group A. The two have six points apiece and will face off in a top of the table clash on Sunday.

Djibouti and Rwanda who are both out already will meet in a dead rubber encounter on the same day.

Rwanda Starting XI

Judith Nyirabashyitsi (GK), Lydia Uzayisenza, Loiuse Maniraguha, Libellee Nibagwire, Joselyne Mukantaganira, Nadine Mukandayisenga, Dorothee Mukeshimana, Callixte Iradunkunda, Gloria Sifa Nibagwire, Immaculee Uwimbabazi, Zawadi Usanase

Burundi Starting XI

Ariella Umurerwa(GK), Charlotte Irankunda, Ineza Bora, Gloria Gakiza, Angelique Keza, Sandrine Niyonkuru, Asha Djafari, Rachelle Bukuru, Joelle Bukuru, Rukiya Bizimana, Annociate Nshirimana

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SOURCE: FUFA MEDIA