Rwanda’s national football team interim  head coach Lee Johnson has called for more friendly matches as his side prepares for the 2016 African Nations Championship (Chan) and Rio 2016 Olympic qualifiers.

Johnson, who was in charge of the U-23 national side that was held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania’s U-23 on Thursday, revealed that he was impressed with the courage, heart and desire displayed by the players.

He commended their ability to execute his game plan in the first half but urged them to always remember that a football game is 90 minutes and that consistency and concentration is very important for their success in the future.

"We need more opportunities to play more games because that is what we need to get ourselves in the right shape ahead of the African Nations Championship (Chan) next year. The younger players need a lot more exposure to learn how to play with discipline throughout the game,” explained Johnson.

Haruna earns praise

The Englishman was full of praise for Amavubi captain Haruna Niyonzima, who he called a ‘gentleman’ on and off the field. He said, "Haruna has such a good character and the entire team looks up to him because of what he has done for this country.”

"In the second half, when we were being pressed by Tanzania, he encouraged the young players and rallied them to defend really well. He is such a valuable player especially in big games like this one,” Johnson said.

Johnson spoke of the need to include Niyonzima in upcoming national team engagements for "obvious reasons,” that include his experience and leadership skills at the international level.