June 18, (THEWILL) – Mozambique displayed a brilliant defensive performance during Sunday’s TotalEnergies 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda, securing a 2-0 victory at the Huye Stadium, Sunday afternoon.
Geny Catamo and Clesio Bauque found the back of the net to give victory to the visitors. Despite having less possession, Rwanda managed to create the first notable goal-scoring opportunities of the match by exploiting the left flank of Mozambique’s defence. However, the Mambas held firm and successfully repelled Rwanda’s attacking waves. Mozambique struggled to make an impact and spent most of the first half playing the ball in their own half.
Nonetheless, just before halftime, a swift counter-attacking move led by Elias Pelembe resulted in Geny Catamo calmly slotting the ball into the net, giving Mozambique the lead. They carried that lead into the second half, as Rwanda came out strongly, desperately seeking an equaliser. The Rwandans dominated possession and put Mozambique under immense pressure.
However, the Mambas, with their resilient defending, frustrated the host nation’s efforts. As the match approached its conclusion, Mozambique adopted a game management approach, conceding possession to Rwanda and relying on their solid defensive structure. In the 94th minute, the visitors seized on a defensive error, as Clesio took advantage of a sloppy play by Thierry Manzi, outmaneuvered the defender, and coolly finished with a nutmeg through the goalkeeper’s legs.
The very late goal doubled Mozambique’s lead, propelling them to second place in Group L and keeping their AFCON qualification hopes alive. On the other hand, Rwanda’s dreams of qualifying for the tournament were shattered.
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.
