Rwanda’s Amavubi team lost 1-0 to Libya in the first leg of their 2018 World Cup qualifying tie played on Friday afternoon at Stade Olympique du Sousse, Tunisia.

The Mediterranean Knights emerged triumphant at the Stade Taieb Mhiri in Sfax, with the match held on neutral territory due to continuing political instability in Libya.

After a goalless first half, Libya claimed the lead a minute after the interval with Faisal Al-Badri converting a dubious penalty spot which was awarded by Senegalese referee Deidhoius Malang.

Amavubi pressed hard for an equalizer with attempts from Jacques Tuyisenge, Ernest Sugira and Quentin Rushenguziminega but their efforts were fruitless.

With a slim margin of loss, Amavubi are confident of overturning the result in the return leg which will be played on Tuesday at the newly renovated Stade de Kigali.

Rwanda head back to Tunis on Friday night ahead of their Saturday’s early morning flight to Kigali via Instabul, Turkey. The expected arrival in Kigali is on Sunday in the early morning hours.

The aggregate winners will join 19 other teams in the third and final phase of qualifying for Russia 2018.

Source: Ferwafa.rw

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com