By 
Uganda Cranes and the Amavubi Stars of Rwanda were forced to share points at the Stade de Unification Stadium, Douala, when they played out to a goalless draw in their 2020 African Nations Championship Group C match opener on Monday evening.
The two East African sides could not find a way past each other in their opening encounter of the CHAN tournament.
The first slight of goal fell to Uganda in the second minute when Joachim Ojera headed just wide off a brilliant Karim Watambala’s freekick from the right.
But it was the Amavubi Stars that got the first shot on target through their captain Jacques Tuyisenge although his effort was easily saved by Cranes custodian Charles Lukwago
Milton Kalisa was subbed off for Brian Aheebwa in the 14th minute having injured himself trying to take a shot just from outside the box.
Tuyisenge wasted a brilliant chance to break the deadlock for Rwanda in the 20th minute when he agonizing headed wide from a well driven Nshuti corner kick.
After wonderful buildup with Bright Anukani, Substitute, Aheebwa could have found the game’s opener in the 22nd minute, but his powerful shot was deflected just above the bar for a corner kick.
In the 30th minute, Rwanda attacked again and this time, it was through Hakizimana Muhadjiri who wonderfully beat three Cranes players for a shot but his attempt could only kiss the crossbar with the Cranes goalie, Charles Lukwago well beaten.
The game witnessed its first yellow card in the 32nd minute when Rashid Kalisa pulled down Vianne Ssekajungo.
Just before the halftime, Rwanda nearly took the game’s lead through Tuyisenge but his headed effort hit the right post and went closely wide.
At the start of the second half, Uganda’s head coach Johnny Mckinstry introduced veteran Tonny Mawejje for Bright Anukani.
The Uganda Cranes will return to action on January 22nd for their second match of the CHAN tournament against Togo at the Stade de Unification in Douala.
Earlier on, Togo lost 1-0 to the defending champions Morocco in the first Group C match today.
Lineups
Uganda
Charles Lukwago, Paul Willa, Mustafa Mujuzi, Patrick Mbowa, Aziz Kayondo, Shafik Kagimu, Joakim Ojera, Bright Anukani, Vianney Ssekajiggo, Karim Watambala, Milton Kalisa.
Rwanda
Olivier Kwizera (GK), Fitina Omborenga, Ange Mutsinzi, Thierry Manzi, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Olivier Niyonzima, Rashid Kalisa, Bertrand Iradukunda, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Dominique Savio Nshuti, Jacques Tuyisenge (C)
