Bamuma delighted after Amavubi debut

Afcon qualifiers:Rwanda was unlucky against NigeriaBERCH Bamuma described his debut as ‘brilliant’ despite Amavubi’s failure to make the most of a dominant performance in Wednesday’s goalless 2013 African Nations Cup first leg qualifier against Nigeria.The centre-back, who plays for AFC Leopards in the Kenyan Premier League, was handed his first start at Kigali Regional Stadium.The 25-year-old admitted that the result was far from what he would have liked on his debut, before commending his partnership with Eric Gasana at the heart of the Rwandan defence.“It was an amazing feeling to pull on the shirt and play my first game for country,” he told Times Sport.“It was a fantastic occasion and there aren’t many bigger games I could have come into for my first one. I now hope to work harder and cement my place in the team,” he continued.“I think playing with Mbuyu (Eric Gasana) worked really well, he’s a top-class centre-back. Kalisa Mao (right-back) and Jean Claude Iranzi (left-back) also did well.” Bamuma was particularly applauded for keeping Nigeria’s star striker Osaze Odemwingie quiet forcing Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi to bring off the West Bromwich striker 13 minutes into the second half.With five minutes to go, he came to Amavubi’s rescue with a vital block to deny Fulham and Super Eagles midfielder Dickson Etuhu.Bamuma has backed Amavubi strikers to come good in the second leg. Meddie Kagere, Dady Birori and Bokota Labama all squandered clearing scoring opportunities.Rwanda will travel to Abuja for the return leg on June 17.

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Bamuma delighted after Amavubi debut