The Junior Wasps national team skipper Anderson Neza is optimistic ahead of the second leg against Gabon scheduled for Saturday at Augustin Monédan de Sibang Stadium.
The Junior Wasps national team skipper Anderson Neza is optimistic ahead of the second leg against Gabon scheduled for Saturday at Augustin Monédan de Sibang Stadium.
The team left the country on Thursday morning ahead of the 2015 African Youth Championships qualifier against Gabon.
Neza is positive that Rwanda can overcome Gabon away from home following a goalless draw in the first leg in Kigali two weeks ago.
Rwanda failed to find the net in the first leg of the second round, leaving their chances of proceeding to the third and final round of qualification to Senegal finals due next year in balance.
"We prepared well, everything is fine, we have to score in the second leg to proceed to the next round and we are capable of doing that,” the youngster, who plays at the Valencia academy in Spain, told Times Sport before departure.
The 18-year-old defending midfielder added, "We know we are going to face a tough side but we need to defend well and try to attack, we can surprise them at their home.”
Head coach Richard Tardy said "We know what we need, we know what we are going for, and we will give our best to reach the next round.”
Rwanda will need a 1-0 win in the second leg or any scoring goal draw to be assured of sailing through to the final qualifying round.
The finals will take place from 8-22 March 2015 in Senegal with the semi-finalists qualifying to represent Africa at the 2015 Fifa U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
Junior wasps squad:
Goalkeepers: Olivier Kwizera and Umar Rwabugiri.
Defenders: Eric Rutanga, Célestin Ndayishimiye, Yves Rwigema, Fitina Omborenga, Latif Bishira, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Anderson Neza.
Midfielders: Mohamed Mushimiyimana, Robert Ndatimana, Yannick Mukunzi, Sulaiman Kakira, Djihad Bizimana.
Strikers: Patrick Sibomana, Bertrand Iradukunda, Maxime Sekamana and Jean Paul Niyonzima.