Juba, South Sudan – The bright stars handed the Rwanda national football team, the Amavubi, a 3-2 defeat in the first leg of their CHAN 2025 qualifiers on Sunday.
Defender Aimable Nsabimana’s early own goal dashed Rwanda’s hopes of securing a positive result in Juba.
The mistake left Amavubi playing catch-up from the outset, and their task became even more difficult when South Sudan’s Mandela Malish doubled the lead in the 21st minute.
Amavubi started the second half with renewed determination, with captain Kevin Muhire leading the way Just four minutes after the break, Muhire scored to give the Amavubi a glimmer of hope, but their joy was short-lived.
South Sudan quickly regained control when Ebon Ezen Malish scored in the 54th minute to restore the Bright Stars’ two-goal advantage.
A substitute, Didier Mugisha, trimmed the margin once again in the 66th minute, but the Bright Stars held firm in the remaining minutes of the match, ultimately securing a 3-2 victory in favor of South Sudan.
The loss in Juba complicates Rwanda’s journey to CHAN 2025, as the CECAFA region has four slots in the final tournament, and only one of them is up for grabs.
Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have automatic qualification as host nations, while Rwanda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Burundi are all fighting for the remaining spot.
Therefore, even a win against South Sudan in the second leg on December 28 at Amahoro Stadium does not guarantee Amavubi’s qualification.
A complicated scenario is likely to unfold after the second leg matches, with five teams vying for a single spot, each in separate matchups.
