Afcon: Mauritius down Rwanda in Belle Vue

Mauritius edged Rwanda 1-0 to secure three important points to boost their Afcon 2017 qualification on Saturday at the Anjalay Stadium in Belle Vue.

Defender Francis Rasolofonirina found the back of the net in the 59th minute when he got to the end of a well-taken cornerkick to put the ball past goalkeeper Jean Luc Ndayishimiye giving the home side the lead and eventually maximum points.

Rwanda dominated ball possession in the first half and had the better chances with captain Haruna Niyonzima and Jean Claude Iranzi coming close in the penalty box but Mauritius defended very well.

Teenager Dominique Savio Nshuti continued to provide an attacking option on the flanks in the first period as well as full backs Abouba Sibomana on the left and his brother Fitina Omborenga on the right but Elias Uzamukunda and Yussufu Habimana were wasteful in front of goal.

Rwanda coach Johnny McKinstry introduced Switzerland-based Quentin Rushenguziminega for Habimana while the Rwanda Premier League top scorer Muhadjiri Hakizimana replaced Nshuti.

However, Mauritius played deep into their half to defend their lead and held on to secure their second victory to earn them six points, a feat that has seen them overtake Rwanda on the Group H standings.

This is the second 1-0 home win for Mauritius as they bid to qualify for Africa’s biggest football tournament for the first time since 1974.

Ghana, who defeated Mozambique 3-1 on Wednesday, have a 100 per cent win record with nine points from three games and victory against Mozambique in Maputo on Sunday will see them qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Gabon next January.

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