Forward Youcef Belaili and left-back Jaouen Hadjam scored in either half as Algeria beat Rwanda 2-0 in an international friendly held at Mustapha-Tchaker Stadium in Constantine on Thursday, June 5. Contrary to earlier statement by the Algerian Football Federation that they were going to use their CHAN team for the game, coach Vladimir Petrovic paraded his full arsenals with Nabil Bentaleb, skipper Riyadh Mahrez and striker Baghdad Bounedjah all starting in the encounter. On the other side, Rwanda head coach Adel Amrouche had as many as 6 defenders in his starting 11 namely Clement Niyigena, Ange Mutsinzi, Omborenga Fitina, Bryan Ngwabije, Phanuel Kavita, Claude Niyomugabo as well as debutant Aly Enzo Hamon as he tried to approach the game the defensive way. ALSO READ: Adel Amrouche named Rwanda head coach Mbungo keeps Womens team job The home side dominated possession as they started the game by spreading the balls into wider areas, forcing the visitors’ packed defense to come out of their shells. Hicham Boudaoui turned Clement Niyigena inside out before delivering a perfect cross into the box which Belaili headed to the blind side of Fiacre Ntwari to make it 1-0 in the 28th minute. Despite the lead, Algeria never stopped attacking as they pushed for the second goal but Rwanda closed all spaces till the referee blew his whistle for halftime break. Amrouche brought on Jojea Kwizera for Clement Niyigena in the 53rd minute as they looked to halve the score. The Rhode Island FC brought urgency into the attack as he took on two defenders with his touch of the ball. His final delivery, however, went off target. Three minutes later, Kavita saw his header from an Omborenga Fitina cross missing the target moments before Algeria scored their second goal. Rwanda defenders were caught ball watching as left-back Jaouen Hadjam received a through pass and fired to the right side of Ntwari to make it 2-0 in the 58th minute. Amrouche then brought on Noe Uwimana in the 61st minute before bringing on Innocent Nshuti for Meddie Kagere who had a quiet evening in attack. Kevin Muhire and Bonheur Mugisha also came in for Aly Hamon and Bryan Ngwabije respectively in the 74th minute. Rwanda launched attack on different occasions but Petrovic and his Algerian side held on to keep a clean sheet. The two sides will return to action on Monday, June 9, for another friendly match which will take place in Algiers.
