Djibouti 1-0 Rwanda: Amavubi shocked at Amahoro

Rwanda's national football team suffered a gut-wrenching 1-0 defeat to Djibouti on Sunday in the first leg's first round of the 2024 CHAN Qualifiers.

Gabriel Dadzie sealed the victory for a side 192nd on the latest FIFA Ranking, with an excellent finish in the box in the 78th minute to help Djibouti end a year-and-four-month win drought.

Amavubi had plenty of ball possession throughout the game. However, they were unable to capitalise on Abdirahman Okieh's side's turnovers and convert their chances in a game that was hosted by Djibouti at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

Olivier Dushimimana could have put Rwanda ahead in the 32nd minute, though his shot was halted by Djibouti goalkeeper Sulait Luyima.

Frank Torsten adjusted at the half-time break, with Gilbert Mugisha replacing Ramadan Niyibizi at halftime before bringing on Gilbert Byiringiro for Fitina Omborenga in the 61st minute.

Amavubi gained pretty much everything from these modifications but the ability to score.

Dadzie broke the stalemate in the 78th minute after Ahmed Youssouf Omar set him up with a 'Trivela' pass that Yunusu Nshimiyimana couldn't stop.

Debutant Didier Ndayishimiye had a chance to level in the 88th minute, but he hit the post from a close range.

"It is not a shame. If our team had been Brazil then maybe it would have been a shame. Our team is not bad, and Djibouti are also not a bad team," said Amavubi head coach Frank Torsten in a post-match press conference.

"I think the result is very disappointing. I think we can do much better, and that's what I hope we can show on Thursday....but there's a lot of work to do."

The second leg is set for Thursday, 31 October, with Rwanda hosting Djibouti at Amahoro Stadium.