Mozambique defeated Rwanda 2-0 in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification Group F match at the Estádio do Zimpeto in Maputo on Thursday.

The win saw the Mambas start their qualifying campaign with a victory, while the Wasps succumbed to a defeat.

The Wasps were able to contain the hosts in the opening stages of the encounter, with Abdul Rwatubyaye working hard in defence for the visitors.

However, Mozambique piled pressure on Rwanda and they grabbed the opening goal which unsettled Rwanda’s defence.

Stélio Marcelino Ernesto, who is better known as Telinho, scored from the spot-kick to make 1-0 to Mozambique in the 28th minute after the hosts were awarded a penalty.

It was soon 2-0 to the Mambas just after the half-hour mark when Edson Mexer hit the back of the net, much to the delight of the home crowd.

The score was 2-0 to Mozambique during the halftime break.

The Wasps tried to pull one back after the restart with their star striker Jacques Tuyisenge looking to find the back of the net for his side.

However, the Mambas were solid at the back as they looked to start their qualifying campaign with a clean sheet at home.

The hosts were able to hold onto their two-goal lead and ultimately Mozambique ran out 2-0 winners over Rwanda on the night.

Mozambique (2) 2 (Telinho 28′, Mexer 31′)

Rwanda 0

Mozambique: Franque, Mexer, Reinildo Mandava, Sidique, Zainadine Júnior, Kambala, Geny Catamo, Dominguês, Telinho, Clésio, Witi

Rwanda: Kimenyi, Nirisarike, Omborenga, Rwatubyaye, Imanishimwe, Bizimana, Niyonzima, Muhire, Hakizimana, Tuyisenge, Kagere.