The national football team was held to a goalless draw by Ethiopia at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Friday afternoon. The tie was held in Tanzania because the country doesn't have a Stadium that meets the criteria set by the Africa Confederation body, CAF. The first half of the game started on a good note for both teams as they took time to study the playing pattern of each other. The game came into life from the 15th minute as the Amavubi midfield made up of skipper Haruna Niyonzima, Bonheur Mugisha and Jean Bosco Ruboneka tried to push the ball into the half of the Ethiopians. After the early exchanges, the first clear chance of the game fell to the Ethiopians in the 20th minute after Claude Niyomugabo misjudged a ball and was turned inside out but the resultant kick from Dawa Hotessa missed the target narrowly. Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari pulled a good save in the 30th minute from a Chernet Gugsa strike as he kept Amavubi in the game. Rwanda soaked all the pressure and tried to hit the Ethiopians on the counter and it worked to some extent as Jean Bertrand Iradukunda drifted wide and received a pass from Niyonzima. The former Township Rollers striker sent a looping ball to Ramadhan Niyibizi on the right but the chance was wasted. Chances were far and few as the first half came to an end with the score still goalless. Rwanda improved on their game after recess as they tried to push more men forward for the opener. Coach Carlos Alos brought on Jacques Tuyisenge and Fred Muhozi for Ramadhan Niyibizi and Jean Bertrand Iradukunda respectively as the Amavubi attack began to click. Tuyisenge and Muhozi caused incessant problems for the Ethiopian back four with their pace and artistry as the game took a new dimension. Dominique Nshuti Savio was brought on in the 89th for skipper Haruna Niyonzima who had worked exceedingly well throughout the game. Both teams held on as the game at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium ended in a barren draw. The Amavubi will welcome the Walia Ibex at Huye Stadium on September 3 for the second leg.
