Saturday

Group H

Rwanda vs Ghana

Amavubi Stars head coach Johnny McKinstry has decried the poor state of Amahoro stadium grass pitch ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Ghana on Saturday.

"The pitch is in a bad state. It is the worst state since I came here” When I first came to Kigali, more than five months ago, the pitch was really good. It was in a very good condition when I first came,” The Nothern Irish trainer told Times Sport.

McKinstry warned that playing on a hard and uneven pitch means the teams are more likely to turn over the possession more often to the opposition.

He added that, "There is no doubt about that. Yes, it impacts both teams. Last week we beat Ethiopia, they were good but they are not a world-class team. When we lose possession to Ethiopia, we generally have time to regroup, get organised.”

"Will Ghana be as forgiving? If we concede possession to Ghana 50 times in the game because controlling the ball is a little bit more difficult on a hard and bumpy surface, Ghana can punish us,” noted the 30-year-old tactician, who is nonetheless eyeing maximum points against the Black Stars.

Rwanda are second in Group H, tied on three points with table leaders Ghana, who walloped Mauritius 7-1 in Accra in June.

Amavubi defeated Mozambique in Maputo and the home side is seeking to replicate their form in their first leg tie against the star-studded Black Stars side that is expected to arrive in Kigali this morning, a day after their friendly against Congo Brazzaville, whom they beat 3-2.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw