May 31

Rwanda vs Libya

AMAVUBI STARS interim head coach Andre Cassa Mbungo has urged his youthful squad to remain focused ahead of the return leg against Libya as they seek the elusive Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

Rwanda forced a goalless draw away to Libya in the first round qualifier played in Tunis on Sunday and will only need a 1-0 win on May 31 in Kigali to sail through to the next stage where they will face the winner of the match between Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Cassa Mbungo lauded his players for their display of mature tactical discipline, which helped the team to avoid losing away from home.

"Libya is a strong squad and being able to pull off a goalless draw was a result of the players’ mentality and the urge to end the losing streak,” said the interim coach, who also doubles as the head coach of league side AS Kigali. 

Cassa Mbungo is expected to stay on as assistant coach when the new head coach, Englishman Stephen Constantine completes his deal in the coming days.

"Tactically, they did a good job because it’s not easy to stick to coaches’ instructions for 90 minutes. If we can have this mentality replicated even in our future games, I believe Amavubi is on course for a new era,” he added.

Mbungo warned that the return leg will not be easy. "We have to beef up the squad such that we can try to forge a winning formula against Libya. I am optimistic, this crop of players will book a place to the next round,” added Mbungo.

Amavubi will be boosted by the availability of Belgium-based defender Salomon Nirisarike in the return leg, while Cyprus-based Edwin Ouon is also likely to be considered.