UMUGANDA Stadium, one of the four venues that will host the African Nations (CHAN) was officially opened for use on Sunday, 12 days before the tournament kicks off.

The 4th edition of the biannual continental meet, the second biggest football event in Africa, is slated for January 16 to February 7 in Rwanda.

The Rubavu-based Umuganda stadium will host Group A matches— Uganda, Mali, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The refurbished 5,300-seater stadium is currently being used by Amavubi Stars who are in residential camp training at Stipp hotel in Rubavu district. The venue will also host Rwanda’s warm-up matches against Cameroun on Wednesday and Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.

While addressing thousands who turned up for the unveiling ceremony, Rubavu District Mayor, Jeremie Sinamenye, said residents of his district should as a sign of appreciation turn up in big numbers for all CHAN games to be played at Umuganda stadium.

"This stadium will benefit our district a lot, apart from bringing CHAN here; it is a massive boost in economic terms and infrastructure. This tournament is a rare opportunity, which Rubavu residents should seize,” Mayor Sinamenye said on Sunday.

Also in attendance of the stadium’s official opening was FERWAFA president Vincent Nzamwita, who also doubles as the chairman of the tournament’s Local Organizing Committee.

McKinstry impressed with training camp

To mark the official opening of Umuganda stadium, there was a training match between Amavubi A and Amvubi B, which the later won comfortably 3-0.

Team A was made up of players, who have been featuring regularly for Amavubi under Johnny MckInstry while team B was coached by McKinstry’s assistant, Jimmy Mulisa. Despite his side’s defeat, McKinstry commended the good will and energy the players are showing in training.

Djuma Uwizeyimana, Isaie Songa and Ernest Sugira were all on target as Mulisa’s reserve team overwhelmed the first team. Team A winger Jean Claude Iranzi was red-carded for a bad tackle on his APR FC teammate, Djihad Bizimana in the second half.

"It’s a been a wonderful week in residential camp, players look energetic, fresh and are all working really very hard. I am happy with the team I have right now, all the boys are competing for slots in the 23-man final squad,” McKinstry said in a post-match interview.

The 30-year-old Irishman revealed that he will announce the final 23-man squad for the tournament after Sunday’s friendly with DR Congo.

Amavubi A:

Olivier Kwizera, Michel Rusheshangoga, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Imran Nshimiyimana, Faustin Usengimana, Yussuf Habimana, Ngirinshuti Mwemere, Yannick Mukunzi, Jacques Tuyisenge(Cap), Danny Usengimana, Djihad Bizimana.

Amavubi B:

Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye (Cap), Bayisenge Emery, Ombarenga Fitina, Havugarurema Jean Paul Ralo, Hegman Ngomirakiza, Nshuti Savio Dominique, Isaie Songa, Djuma Uwizeyimana, Ivan Senyange, Alexis Mugabo, Muhammed Mushimiyimana.