The National football team, Amavubi, will play two friendly matches, against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tunisia, as preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) intensify.

Amavubi coach Johnny Mckinstry last week summoned 32 players for non – residential training ahead of the tournament which kicks off next month.

The first friendly match will be played on January 6, against DRC, while the second will be against Tunisia on January 10; both matches will be played at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu District.

The National Football Federation (FERWAFA) chairman, Vincent Nzamwita told Times Sport yesterday that they selected friendlies against teams that will participate in the CHAN tournament so that the coaching team can gauge the national side’s readiness for the continental showpiece.

"As the hosting country, we need to make sure that Amavubi are good enough to compete with the best on the continent. Both DRC and Tunisia are ranked above Rwanda; this will help us know how good the team is ahead of the tournament.”

On December 18, Amavubi players will take a one-week break during the festive season before heading to Rubavu to resume residential camp from December 28, 2015 to January 11, 2016, after which the final 23-man squad, which will represent Rwanda at the continental tournament, will be named.

DRC, who are in group B, will be based in Huye District alongside Ethiopia, Cameroon and Angola, while Tunisia are in Group C with Guinea, Niger and Nigeria.

The biennial tournament is for players who feature in their domestic leagues. The Democratic Republic of Congo won the first edition in 2009; Tunisia won the second edition, while last year’s edition was won by Libya, who won’t defend it after failing to qualify for the finals.

Amavubi are in Group A alongside Africa giants Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco and Gabon.

CHAN 2016 stadiums near completion

Meanwhile Nzamwita told Times Sport that the four stadiums that will be used during the tournament and training grounds will be ready by December 28.

The stadiums are Amahoro National Stadium, Umuganda Stadium, Huye Stadium and Kigali Regional Stadium.