March 22, (THEWILL) – Rwanda and Benin battled to a 1-1 draw in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Stade de L’Amitié in Cotonou on Wednesday.
Rwanda took the lead early on when Gilbert Mugisha scored in the 13th minute, but Benin dominated possession and had several chances to equalise. Their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when Steve Mounie scored a spectacular goal to level the scoreline. Rwanda had to play the final 30 minutes with 10 men after Hakim Sahabo received his second yellow card.
Benin was the more threatening team in the first half, but Rwanda had the first opportunity when Medie Kagere missed the target from inside the box. However, it was Rwanda who took the lead through Mugisha’s goal. Benin continued to push for an equaliser, with Junior Olaitan and Tosin Aiyegun testing Rwanda’s goalkeeper.
Rwanda had their chances to extend their lead, hitting the crossbar and forcing Saturnin Allagbe into a brave save so that the score remained 1-0. The tone of the match changed in the 60th minute when Hakim Sahabo was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Benin continued to press and were rewarded when Mounie scored a spectacular goal in the 82nd minute. Benin had several chances to win the game, but were denied by Fiacre Ntwari in Rwanda’s goal. The match ended in a 1-1 draw with Rwanda on two points, Benin with a single point in Group L after three matches.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
