CUSTODIAN Jean Claude played a key role as Amavubi Star held Namibia to a goalless draw in a FIFA international friendly match played yesterday at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.
With coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojovic opting to use only home based players, his faith in a young team paid off considerably well despite the lack of goals.
The visitors enjoyed the better goal scoring chances in the first period but the likes of Jimmy Mbaraga, Imran Nshimiyimana and Tuimaine Ntamuhanga appeared to have left their scoring boots in the changing room.
The second half was similar in terms of chances created but either missed or wasted despite the coaching introducing Charles Tibingana, Farouk Ruhinda, Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, Fabrice Twagizimana and Emmanuel Sebanani.
Ruhinda, Mugiraneza and Sebanani were the culprits again as they wasted more chances as the Amavubi midfielder overran their Namibian counterparts.
On the other end, Ndoli was in outstanding form to deny the hosts on a number of occasions, with the best save coming in the second half when he denied 21-year old midfielder Starke Manfred, who plies his trade in German club Hansa Rostock from close range.
Manfred, a good left footer, with speed to burn and an excellent tactical awareness, tormented Amavubi’s defense on several occasions and it was Ndoli who stood between a draw and defeat for the visitors.
The two teams will meet again on November 11 in Kigali at Stade Amahoro in another international friendly.
Amavubi is using the two matches to stay competitive ahead of the Cecafa Challenge tournament due in Uganda next month as well as the next 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier – against Mali on March 22.
International match Results
Namibia 0-0 Rwanda
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