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Host Rwanda beats Cote d'Ivoire 1-0 in 2016 CHAN opener

Xinhua, January 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

Host Rwanda started the 2016 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) with a 1-0 win over Cote d'Ivoire in Group A at the Amahoro Stadium here on Saturday.

Graced by Rwanda President Paul Kagame and spectators in a 35,000 seater stadium, the home team scored through Emery Bayisenge in the 16th minute when he curved the ball through the free kick wall and beat Cote d'Ivoire goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare.

Cote d'Ivoire tried to fight back but failed to break the Rwanda defense.

Rwanda had Claude Jean Iranzi booked, while the visitors also had Marcelin Koffi enter the referees book.

After 59 minutes Rwanda were awarded a penalty that Bayisenge missed. The goalkepper parried the ball out for a corner. Rwanda skipper Jacques Tuyisenge had been pulled down in the box.

"We created many chances but failed to convert them. We now need to fight in our second game to win," said Côte d'Ivoire coach after the game.

Rwanda coach Jonathan McKinstry said he was happy with the performance of his team.

"We need to continue to win our matches. It is the only way we shall get to the later stages of the tournament," added McKinstry.

The tournament has attracted 16 teams. The defending champions Libya and Ghana who finished runners-up at the 2014 event in South Africa all did not qualify for the Championship. Enditem