Mozambique kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 thanks to a hard-fought 2-0 away victory against Rwanda on Sunday.
The victory, courtesy of goals by Geny Catamo in the first half, as well as the final strike by Clesio Baugue in the dying minutes of the game meant that Amavubi’s hopes of securing a place in Africa’s flagship competition next year were completely shattered by the Mambas.
As expected, the hosts started off well as they pinned their opponents into their half to get an early lead.
The deadlock was almost broken in the 5th minute when defender Mutsinzi Ange rose above his markers to head a powerful effort that was met by an equally effective save by Ivane Urrubal.
The visitors opted to absorb the pressure with the intention of attacking on the counter. They were almost rewarded in the 13th minute with Stanley Ratifo’s ferocious strike being parried to safety by an alert Ntwari Fiacre.
The hosts were unlucky not to break the deadlock in the 36th minute. This was after a well taken strike by the dangerous Nshuti Innocent was tipped onto the woodwork to the relief of the Mambas.
Rwanda’s relentless attacks came at an unfortunate price after a swift transition break by the Mozambiquans. Through a delightful ball by Elias Pelembe. This ball found Catamo, who brought it under control and fire it into the far post. This sent his side into the break ahead.
Rwandan playmaker Hakizimana Muhadjiri almost levelled matters in the 85th minute after connecting with a well-taken cross. However, his near post header found Urrubal on high alert as he saved.
As they continued searching for the equalizer, the Mambas sat back and punished Rwanda after substitute Clesio Baugue capitalized on some casual defending from Manzi Thierry to drive into the box and get the second to dash the hosts’ hopes of qualifying to next year’s continental showpiece.
