Rwanda fail to qualify for CHAN 2024 despite win over South Sudan

Rwanda have failed to advance to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), despite their 2-1 victory over South Sudan in Saturday's second leg of qualifiers at Amahoro Stadium.

Amavubi had utter dominance throughout the game and could have scored more than two goals, though they were unable to convert the significant chances they created.

Didier Mugisha missed an open goal after Gilbert Mugisha's effort hit the post in the 16th minute.

In the 30th minute, Didier Mugisha yet again thought he put Rwanda in front when he lobbed South Sudan goalkeeper Juma Amuk, but his goal was quickly ruled out for offside.

Amavubi opened the scoring in the 33rd minute following Juma Amuk's howler. Arsene Tuyisenge hammered the ball from probably 35 yards, and Amuk failed to keep out his low shot.

The home side were awarded a penalty in stoppage time of the first half after Michael Omer's handball in the area.

However, Kevin Muhire missed the penalty after attempting a no-look-style spot kick as the Amavubi skipper put the ball in Amuk's hands.

Didier Mugisha was substituted by Taiba Mbonyumwami after the half-time break.

Rwanda maintained the dominance in the second half and had too many clear-cut chances squandered in the second half, including the ones missed by Mbonyumwami and Ruboneka.

Muhire doubled the lead for Amavubi in the 56th with a crisp finish, following South Sudan defender Pal Kun's defensive error.

Substitute David Thong-Dhang scored for the Bright Stars after Nelson Elia's outstanding pass as the visitors trailed 2-1 at full-time

Rwanda had lost 3-2 at Juba National Stadium on 22 December in the first leg of the second round.

In the new CHAN Qualifiers format, each of the six CAF zones will have three representatives at the finals. However, CECAFA will have four representatives because Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will co-host the eighth edition from 1 to 28 February 2025.

Sudan will now represent CECAFA alongside the hosts, having beaten Ethiopia 4-1 over two legs.

Nevertheless, Rwanda remain hopeful of a berth at the 2024 CHAN in the event that CECAFA is awarded additional spots as Tunisia and Libya refuse to take part in the competition.

This is the first time Rwanda have failed to qualify for CHAN for two straight editions.

The last time Rwanda qualified for the competition was in early 2021.