The National U20 football team, Rising Stars, was held to a 1-1 draw by Rwanda in an U20 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier played on Sunday, April 1, 2018, at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Midfielder Richard Odada had given the Rising Stars a 6th-minute lead, latching onto a loose ball from Alpha Onyango’s freekick.
Richard Odada leads the Rising Stars in celebrating their early opener
The Rising Stars largely expressed dominance over Rwanda but waned in the dying minutes of the match, allowing Rwanda to restore parity with less than a minute left on the clock.
Stars will be hoping to bounce back in the return leg, set to be played between April 20, and April 22, 2018, to determine who meets Zambia in the second round.
Rising Stars Starting XI
Humphrey Katasi (GK), Boniface Onyango, Yussuf Mainge, Ezekiel Nyati, Tom Teka, Alpha Onyango, Richard Odada, Vincent Wasambo, Musa Masika, Keegan Ndemi, Sydney Lokale
Substitutes
Francis Atwoli (GK), Bernard Arum, Fidel Origa, Eric Kipkirui, Abraham Dawo, Brian Wepo, Alvin Mang’eni
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Rwanda Starting XI
Fiacre Ntwari, Prince Buregeya, Placide Aime Uwineza, Govin Marc Nshimiyimana, Christian Ishimwe, Saleh Nyirinkindi, Janvier Bonane, Saleh Ishimwe, Protais Sindambiwe, Rague Byikingiro, Bogarde Cyitegetse
Substitutes
Gael Aime, Thierry Ndayishimiye, Shaffi Nsongayingabo, Yakuba Byukusenge, Gilbert Nshimyumuremyi, Patrick Mugisha, Felicien Hakizimana