Amavubi legends scored four goals in the second half to thrash Uganda Cranes legends 5-0 in a friendly match played at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday, June 21. Organised and hosted by Former Amavubi Players Association (FAPA), the match brought together celebrated former players from both countries with the aim of celebrating sportsmanship and promoting friendship and brotherhood between Rwanda and Uganda through football. Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe, Ministry of Sports Permanent Secretary Francois Regis Uwayezu and former APR FC Chairman Ret Col Richard Karasira were among guests who followed the match. Both teams had struggled to find the back of the net until former APR and Rayon Sports defender Albert Ngabo broke the deadlock in the 40th minute to give the home side a lead before halftime. It was a one-sided second half which saw Eugene Eric Murangwa-coached Rwanda legends score more goals to give their former neighboring rivals a 5-0 demolition. Andre Lomami Fils netted second goal in the 53rd minute before Hubert Bebe Nshizirungu fired a long range drive into Cranes Legends’ net two minutes later to make it 3-0. Idrissa Nyandwi and Theoneste Muhawenimana added the fourth and fifth goals in the 60th and 87th minutes respectively as Rwanda legends ran away with a convincing win over Uganda Legends. Uganda had lost the pace of the game until the 70th minute when they started to pick up the rhythm, but still, they failed to hit the net. Rwanda legends starting lineup: Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye, Aimable Mambo Rucogoza, Gad Niyonshuti, Enzo Ikumba, Albert Ngabo, Haruna Niyonzima, Abdul Sibomana, Eric Nshimiyimana, Karim Kamanzi, Tumaine Titi Ntamuhanga and Jean de Dieu Mateso. Substitutes: Hubert ‘Bebe’ Nshizirungu, Jean Baptiste ‘Migi’ Mugiraneza, Idrissa Nyandwi, Tumaini Titi Ntamuhanga, Théoneste Muhawenimana and Jean Claude Ndoli. The last time both sides played a friendly match was in 2016 when Rwanda legends beat Uganda legends 5-3 in Kigali.
