The national soccer team "Mambas" drew against their Rwanda counterparts, by one ball, in the first leg of the qualifying group "L" for the African Nations Championship (CAN) 2023, at the FNB stadium, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Ratifo scored the Mambas' goal in the 67th minute, after the visitors had scored the first goal of the match in the 60th minute.

For the opening game of the qualifying round, Chiquinho Conde put a markedly offensive team on the field and as a result the us team took over the game.

Geny Catamo and Reinildo were the players who stood out the most on the flanks and in two moments launched arrows into the area, but they were not matched.

"We didn't manage to have the greatest offensive flow, on the contrary Rwanda created situations that could surround our team. But it's a learning experience, and it's a shame we couldn't win here. Now it's time to raise our heads and give comfort to the players for everything they did", commented Chiquinho Conde at the end of the match.

Mozambique tried to get a second goal, but Rwanda reacted with the famous "cai-cai", burning time, as a draw with one ball away from home was a result that was within their reach for this start of the qualification phase.

"It's our first game. Now we just have to prepare for the next game. We will continue to pursue our goals which include qualifying for the CAN," said Clésio Baúque, right-back of the Mambas.