Djibouti Secures a Surprising 1-0 Victory Over Rwanda in CHAN 2025 Qualifier at Amahoro Stadium
Djibouti pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset against Rwanda in the CHAN 2025 qualifiers at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Sunday. The decisive moment came from a late goal scored by Gabriel Dadzie. Djibouti was compelled to play their ‘home’ leg on Rwandan turf due to bans by CAF and FIFA but exhibited solid gameplay and seized a rare chance to leave the home crowd shocked.
This match was supposed to be a fresh chapter for Rwanda at the newly spruced up Amahoro Stadium. Unfortunately, they failed to scorch the back of the net despite controlling the game and generating numerous chances. A failure to score haunted them as time ticked away.
Rwanda hit the ground running right from the start. Their initial opening showed up in the ninth minute when Olivier Dushimimana managed to break through Djibouti’s defenses but couldn’t quite hit the mark, shooting wide. Despite their relentless attack, Djibouti stood their ground, soaking up the pressure and capitalizing on counterattacks. Sulait Luyima, Djibouti’s goalkeeper, was a brick wall, deflecting Rwandan attacks with saves that boosted his team’s spirits.
During the second half, Rwanda’s coach, Frank Spittler, tried to inject new energy into the attack by introducing winger Gilbert Mugisha. His presence was a shot in the arm for the team momentarily, as he created opportunities with his pace. Kevin Muhire joined the party with a long shot that narrowly missed in the 50th minute. However, conversion remained elusive for Rwanda.
As the game dragged on, Djibouti’s resilience shone through. In the 79th minute, Hoch Gedo delivered a crisp pass to Dadzie, who deftly maneuvered around his defender and slotted a low shot past Patient Niyongira. The goal brought silence to the Rwandan supporters and sparked elation on the Djibouti bench. Rwanda came close to leveling the score when Byiringiro’s header hit the post in the 87th minute, leaving the host’s aspirations hanging by a sliver.
Djibouti’s defensive strength was put through the wringer in the dying moments. Gedo had a close call with a blocked shot from Clement Niyigena during extra time, but the referee’s final whistle heralded a significant win for Djibouti, highlighting the shifting power in East African football.
Looking forward to the return leg on October 31, a simple draw will propel Djibouti into the following phase. Their potential opponents could be South Sudan or Kenya, who are set to face off soon. Djibouti’s surprising victory stands as a testament to their grit and signals increasing competitiveness in the CECAFA Zone.
For Rwanda, this defeat serves as a wake-up call. As they strive to keep their CHAN ambitions alive, they must focus on improving their finishing touches and tactical strategies for the rematch.
This win not only shines a light on Djibouti but also on wider issues within the CECAFA Zone. Earlier in the month, Somalia pulled out of the CHAN 2025 qualifiers, citing financial woes—a move that highlights the obstacles faced by smaller federations. Somalia’s reliance on FIFA and CAF’s Forward Program, minimal local sponsorships, and support from the diaspora barely covers essentials. Their withdrawal granted Burundi a free pass to the next round.
Eritrea’s recent withdrawal from the qualifiers starkly reveals the challenges in the tournament’s structure. It shows a continuing pattern of teams backing out due to fears of player defections, reminiscent of past Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers where athletes sought asylum.
Djibouti’s unlikely triumph preludes CHAN 2025 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, illustrating the promising and unpredictable nature of East African football. Their victory serves as a powerful reminder that with discipline and determination, even the underdog can rise to the occasion.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
