AMAVUBI Stars skipper Niyonzima Haruna was delighted with his spectacular second half goal against Malawi in the opening match of group C on Monday at Namboole stadium.

Haruna told Times Sport yesterday, "We played a good game but we still have a lot to do. The win should boost our chances of progressing."

"It was a good goal and I'm happy to score because it has been a long time since I scored for the national team. It's one of the best goals I have scored in my career so far, but the most important thing is the team winning.

Goals from Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (37) and a stunning left foot shot from about 30 yards by Haruna helped Rwanda to surge to the top of the standings with three points.

Both teams started off strongly but none of the two would allow the other so easily to attempt shots at goal. Haruna for Amavubi and Joseph Kamwendo for Malawi, were the busiest players on the wings as both teams resorted to attacking from the sides.

Haruna beautifully set up Mwemere Ngirishuti on the left before the left back danced past George Nyirenda to bring in a low cross that was scrambled in my Mugiraneza.

Amavubi next play against Zanzibar on Thursday. A win would put them through to the quarterfinals with a game against Eritrea to spare.