Thursday December 3, 2015

Rwanda vs. Sudan – Addis Ababa Stadium @ 1:00pm

The last time Ethiopia hosted the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, Sudan didn’t only reach the finals but also lifted the trophy; their second in history.

That was in 2006 when they beat guest nation Zambia 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw. They had beaten Burundi 1-0 after extra time in the aftermath of yet another barren draw.

The Falcons have been far from impressive right from the first game they lost to Malawi 2-1 but have won games to reach this far.

Following that loss to Malawi, they drew goalless with South Sudan before dispatching Djibouti 4-0 in the final group game to qualify as the first best third placed team.

In the quarter finals, they drew once again with South Sudan but reached the last four courtesy of a penalty shootout.

Meanwhile, Rwanda who also beat Tanzania 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw have struggled in front of goal but in Jacques Tuyisenge, they have a prolific goal grabber who boasts of three goals.

Coach John McKinstry is likely to draft skipper Haruna Niyonzima back into the starting eleven after coming off the bench against Tanzania.

The last time Rwanda played in the finals was in 2009 while Sudan played the finals in 2013 in Kenya.