Rwanda’s Group C opening game against Uganda ended goalless as both teams failed to find the back of the net at the ongoing Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Monday, January 18 at Stade de la Reunification in Douala. Vincent Mashami’s side play group leaders Morocco next while Uganda faces bottom-placed Togo. Times Sport looks at six key highlights that shaped the East African derby: Omborenga vital for Amavubi’s defense Mashami will be thanking defender Fitina Omborenga’s prowess after producing a well-deserved man of the match performance against the Cranes. The 24-year-old was vital on the right flank keeping winger Joackiam Ojera in his pockets while his pace was also key to posing attacking threats against Jonny McKinstry’s side. A performance that Rwandans will want him to repeat in the Morocco tie. Injured Kalisa will be a big miss in midfield The Cranes were happy to see midfielder Rashid Kalisa taken off when he suffered an injury after his display silenced Ugandans. The likes of Shafiq Kagimu and Bright Anukani couldn’t go past him until the AS Kigali midfielder made way for club teammate Eric Nsabimana who failed to fill his void. Head coach Mashami’s side is already sweating over Kalisa’s injury as doctors are yet to reveal how long he will be sidelined. Aheebwa’s pace scares no one It was not a good day for in-form striker Brian Aheebwa who came in for the Cranes’ main man upfront Milton Karisa who hobbled off injured after just 12 minutes of the match. The KCCA FC striker, who is the top goal scorer in the Ugandan Premier League with seven goals, failed to make an impact in attack after he was kept quiet by resilient centre backs Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi who deflected his shot on 22 minutes. The ended the game with him not registering a single shot on target. Time for Hakizimana to shine The AS Kigali midfielder proved that he is one player to watch during the CHAN 2020 showpiece when his effort from 30 yard hit the crossbar of Charles Lukwago’s goal after 30 minutes. The forward was a major threat to Uganda’s defense and will be keen to keep his vision for a goal when Amavubi next faces Morocco on Friday, January 22. Tuyisenge can’t do enough alone upfront Although he had two major chances that could have resulted in goals, including his shot that hit the right post, skipper Tuyisenge still needs an attacking partner like Ernest Sugira if the national side is to get goals. Sugira, who was suspended for the opening game, will be hoping to start the next match along the APR FC striker as Rwanda faces defending champions Morocco on Friday. ‘Under pressure’ McKinstry will be happy for a draw Uganda last won a game at the CHAN finals in 2014, and the draw against Rwanda on Monday evening took their run without victory at the tournament to nine games.
