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Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances Rising Stars faced challenges in converting opportunities.
Kenya’s Rising Stars were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Rwanda in their second match at the CECAFA Under-20 Championships played on Thursday afternoon at the KMC Arena in Dar es Salaam.
Salim Babu kept faith in his team naming an unchanged lineup from the squad that beat tournament hosts Tanzania 2-1 four days ago in the opening game of the tournament.
It was a lively opening at the KMC Arena, as William Mwangi managed to sting the gloves of Rwanda goalkeeper Habineza Francois with a strike from distance.
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Francois had to be at his best five minutes later to deny Hasan Beja after Louise Ingavi picked him out inside the box and Uwineza Rene made a more routine clearance from Kevin Wangaya.
After infiltrating Rwanda's half, Baron Ochieng let off a left-footed shot that found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out as Louis Ingavi's pass was deemed to have been made after committing a foul on a Rwandan defender.
Rising Stars continued to dominate on the ball, while the likes of Kevin Wangaya and Hassan Beja attempted long-range efforts to affect the scoreline.
With halftime on the horizon, Rwanda sat back and looked to attack the home side on the break.
With neither side able to break the deadlock, the referee called time on the first half with the score level at 0-0.
There was little to separate the two sides during the first 10 minutes after the restart, while Kelly Madada once again recorded a missed attempt at goal.
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15:53 - 10.10.2024
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Rwanda were afforded another notable scoring chance in the 56th minute after intercepting a pass from a Kenyan defender, but Pascal Iradukunda's shot went straight into the hands of Ibrahim Wanzala.
On the other side, Louis Ingavi's powerful header hit the side netting from a cross delivered by Kely Madada following a counterattack down the left wing.
Lawrence Odhiambo was introduced for Louis Ingavi by Salim Babu, but Rwanda started to attack and almost scored the opener in the 64th minute.
Baron Ocheing brought down Rwanda's attacker on the right flank, leading to a free kick taken by Thierry Musabyimana, which took an unexpected bounce, forcing Ibrahim Wanzala to make an acrobatic save to push the ball over the bar for an unfruitful corner.
Dalphene Ezekiah was guilty of missing easy goal-scoring opportunities minutes after coming on as a substitute, firing wide of the target from close range.
Both teams launched late attacks in search of a winning goal, but it never came, and ultimately Kenya and Rwanda played to a goalless draw following an exciting match.
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The draw left Kenya second in Group A with four points, while Rwanda remained fourth after collecting one point from two matches.
How they lined up:
Rwanda: Habineza Francois, Uwineza Rene, Sindi Paul, Abdoul Niyigena, Fabrice Kayiranga, Sultan Sibomana, Elisa Tinyimana, Didie Ndayishimiye, Errohe Yangiriyeneza, Pascal Iradukunda, Thierry Musabyimana
Subs: Yvan Ruhamyanyiko, Arsene Kanamugire, Vicky Petry, Kabera Yannick, Muhoza Daniel, Masabo Samy, Emmanuel Niyongabo, Irankunda Moria
Kenya: Ibrahim Wanzala, Baron Ochieng, Rodgers Wasega, Manzur Suleiman, Amos Wanjala, Kevin Wangaya, Andres Odhiambo, Beja Hassan, Kelly Madada, William Mwangi, Louise Ingavi
Subs:Joshua Keya, Joseph Onyango, Aldrine Kibet, Phabian Odhiambo, Tyron Kariuki, Lawrence Okoth, Dalphene Ezekiah, Jackson Imbiakha
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