[ad_1]
The youth teams of the two nations will meet in the opening match of Group B on Monday in Rubavu.
Rwanda U17 coach Yves Rwasamanzi has explained why facing Tanzania in the qualifiers of the Cecafa U17 Africa Cup of Nations will be like a final.
Rwanda and Tanzania meet in a Group B tie on Monday and Rwasamanzi has insisted that his team must take each match with the seriousness it deserves.
“We are in a very difficult group and we must treat each game as a final. I know that Tanzania has a good team and we must treat them very seriously, ”said the coach. Cecafa Online.
The nations reportedly played Saturday at the Umuganda stadium in Rubavu, but South Sudan’s disqualification from the youth tournament forced Cecafa to reorganize and reschedule matches.
South Sudan was disqualified after four of its players were found to be over-aged after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests were performed before the tournament.
The South Sudan Football Association (SSFA), however, vowed to investigate the matter as they affirmed their commitment to abide by soccer regulations.
The tournament is picking up speed as Kenya and Ethiopia have already played. The two rivals fought and drew 2-2 on Sunday in a match in which Oliver Page’s stars were destined for victory before Ethiopia rallied to score a point.
James Gathongo had given Kenya a lead in the 14th minute with a low shot after Ethiopia was caught in their own half. After Ethiopia tied in the 61st minute, Kenya was rewarded by taking the lead again in the 84th minute, when Umar Rajab shot home from close range.
Kenya’s Hamisi Omari dropped Miraj Nagash and Ethiopia received a penalty within four additional minutes of scoring and ensured the tie was drawn. Nagash converted to hand his team an opening point in Group A.
Umar Rajab of Kenya, Khamis Nyale and Hamis Omari and Esmail Shamil of Ethiopia were booked during a tense game in Rubavu.
Players will rest on Tuesday before 2018 champions Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi resume action on Wednesday.
The last group games will take place on Friday, while the semi-finals are scheduled for December 20 and the final game will be played two days later. The top two teams will represent the Cecafa region in the Afcon U17 final in Morocco in 2021.
