Rwanda’s Amavubi have joined Burundi and Uganda Cranes in the quarter finals of the on-going Cecafa Tusker Senior Challenge Cup.
The Amavubi handled by former Sports Club Villa coach Sredejovic Micho Milutin humbled Djibouti 5-3 to come out the only team with a 100 % record in the group stages. Rwanda had a first half scare when the Djibouti side led 2-1, but the introduction of former professional Olivier Karekezi proved vital as the striker netted a hat-trick.
“I am very happy to guide my team to the last eight just one month after taking over as coach,” said Milutin who is having his first contract as a national team tactician.
The talkative Serbian said he had never been so worried like he was at half time with his side 2-1 down. “We are building a team and there is no way we were going to suffer defeat to Djibouti at such a period,” said Milutin. Wais Daoud Wais scored Djibouti’s two goals, while Kamana Labama, Jean Baptist Mugiraneza and Karekezi netted for Rwanda.
In a second group C match, Ethiopia were sent packing after a 1-all draw with guest side Malawi. The Ethiopians drew 1-1 with Sudan in their opening group game before falling 2-0 to Harambee Stars of Kenya leaving them with no chance to make it to the later stages of the Championship.
Action continues on Saturday afternoon with Kenya battling Cecafa’s representatives at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Sudan, while defending champions and hosts Tanzania take on another guest side Zimbabwe in a game that promises to be a thriller.
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Editor