CECAFA 2017: Hosts Kenya routs ten man Rwanda

Sunday Results

Kenya 2-0 Rwanda

Libya 0-0 Zanzibar

Muha.J. M.

The 2017 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup host Kenya began the annual competition on a good note by defeating 10 men Rwanda 2-0 in the opening fixture played on Sunday at Kakamega Stadium.

Harember Stars skipper Juma Masud opened the scoring with swift penalty sending Rwandan goalkeeper and Captain Jean Luc Ndashimiye the wrong way in the 26th minute.

The penalty was awarded by match referee who pointed to the sport in the 25 minute when Kenyan central defender Jockins Atudo was fouled by Soter Kayumba Soter in the 18-yard-box.

Twelve minutes later, midfielder Duncan Otieno wrapped up the game by netting the second goal through a superb thunder short 34m outside the box to reward Belgian coach Paul Put with victory in the opener.

Rwandan striker Justin Mico had a worthy opportunity to score the first consolation for his side when he ducked the Kenyan defense but fired his short wide.

Defender Sorte Kayumba was sent off after receiving a second booking at the start of the second half.

Coach Hey brought on APR FC strikers Innocent Nshuti and Maxime Sekama for Abeddy Biramahire and Justin Mico but the change did not yield any positive result in the full 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, visitors Libya drew goalless with Zanzibar in the other second fixture played on the opening day.