Rwanda’s hopes of reaching the Africa U20 Cup of Nations qualifying stage ended on Thursday after a goalless draw with Ethiopia left the team with one point from two matches.
Rwanda needed a victory at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam to keep its campaign alive but could not break down Ethiopia’s defence.
The result came four days after Rwanda opened the CECAFA tournament with a 3-0 defeat to hosts Tanzania, leaving the team with one point in Group A.
Tanzania lead the group on three points and will face Ethiopia in the remaining group match. The result of that game will determine the final standings, with Rwanda already eliminated.
The Rwanda squad, coached by Cassa Mbungo André, is due to return to Kigali on Friday, Sept. 18, after just four days in the competition.
The team and its delegation are scheduled to leave Tanzania through Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Rwanda’s participation in the tournament came after funding for the trip was secured late through cooperation between the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) and the Ministry of Sports.
The tournament serves as a pathway for teams seeking qualification for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
