Tuesday October 29, 2024
Djibouti stun Rwanda in a 1-0 victory at Amahoro Stadium on Sunday, October 27. Courtesy
Djibouti (HOL) — Djibouti delivered a shock 1-0 victory over Rwanda at Kigali's Amahoro Stadium in the CHAN 2025 qualifiers on Sunday, riding on a late strike from forward Gabriel Dadzie. Djibouti, playing their 'home' leg on Rwandan soil due to a CAF and FIFA stadium ban, displayed disciplined play and capitalized on one of their few opportunities to stun the hosts.
The match was meant to mark Rwanda's new chapter at the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium, yet their attacking struggles proved costly. Despite controlling possession and creating multiple chances, they were unable to find the net—a theme that came back to haunt them in the final minutes.
From the opening whistle, Rwanda looked to assert their dominance. Their first opportunity came in the ninth minute, as Olivier Dushimimana broke through Djibouti's defence but sent his shot wide. While the Amavubi continued to press, Djibouti held firm, absorbing the pressure and relying on counterattacks. Goalkeeper Sulait Luyima showcased his defensive prowess, neutralizing Rwandan threats with key saves that bolstered Djibouti's morale.
In the second half, Rwanda's coach, Frank Spittler, attempted to sharpen his attack by bringing on winger Gilbert Mugisha. The change briefly energized Rwanda's offense, with Mugisha's speed creating space and Kevin Muhire's long-range shot narrowly missing the target in the 50th minute. Yet, despite these efforts, Rwanda continued to squander their chances.
As the match wore on, Djibouti's patience paid off. In the 79th minute, substitute Hoch Gedo delivered a well-placed pass to Dadzie, who sidestepped his defender and fired a low shot past Patient Niyongira. The goal silenced the Rwandan crowd and sent Djibouti's bench into celebration. Rwanda nearly equalized minutes later, but Byiringiro's header struck the post in the 87th minute, leaving Rwanda's hopes hanging by a thread.
Djibouti's defensive resilience was tested in the final moments, particularly when Gedo's close-range shot was blocked by Clement Niyigena during injury time. But as the final whistle blew, Djibouti emerged victorious, recording a historic upset that underscores the shifting dynamics in East African football.
With the second leg scheduled for October 31, Djibouti needs only a draw to progress to the next round. Their likely opponent will be either South Sudan or Kenya, who are set to clash in their own first-round tie. This unexpected victory is a testament to Djibouti's tenacity and hints at the growing competitiveness within the CECAFA Zone.
The loss is a wake-up call for Rwanda as they regroup to keep their CHAN hopes alive. With adjustments needed in both finishing and tactical setups, they face an uphill battle in the return leg.
Djibouti's win also sheds light on the broader challenges facing CECAFA Zone teams. Earlier this month, Somalia withdrew from the CHAN 2025 qualifiers, citing financial constraints—a decision emblematic of the difficulties smaller football federations face. Limited funding from Somalia's government, which prioritizes national security, has left the Somali Football Federation (SFF) reliant on FIFA and CAF's Forward Program, occasional local sponsorships, and diaspora contributions, all of which barely cover basic operations. Somalia's withdrawal has granted Burundi an automatic place in the next round.
Eritrea's recent withdrawal from the CHAN 2025 qualifiers disrupts the tournament's structure, highlighting an ongoing trend of tournament absences often tied to player defection risks. , marking the latest instance in a pattern of absences frequently driven by concerns over player defections. For years, Eritrean athletes have used international tournaments as opportunities to seek asylum—a trend seen in both the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Djibouti's unexpected victory ahead of CHAN 2025 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania illustrates East African football's rising talent and unpredictability. Their triumph is a reminder that, in today's game, even the smallest teams can defy expectations through discipline and sheer determination.