SundayRwanda vs DR Congo - 4pm

Rwanda takes on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last warm-up on Sunday at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu District ahead of the forthcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) finals tournament in Rwanda.

After this match, Amavubi will return to Kigali to put final touches on their preparations—the team will be staying at Golden Trip Hotel in Nyamata.

Amavubi head Coach Johnny McKinstry announced his 23-man final squad which will compete in CHAN. Rwanda will be making a second appearance in Africa’s second biggest international tournament, which is reserved for only players playing in their respective domestic leagues.

Rwanda, who debuted at the second edition in Sudan in 2011, will open their Group A campaign against Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday at Amahoro national stadium. The other teams in Group A include; Gabon and Morocco.

McKinstry, 30, believes all the Rwandans can be confident that their team will give everything they have in pursuit of top performance in the competition.

Florent Ibenge’s side arrived in Rubavu on Thursday ahead of the game; this will be the second time both sides meet after Rwanda beat Congo 1-0 at the 2004 African Cup of Nations which was held in Tunisia, with the lone goal scored by Congo-born forward, Said Abedi Makasi.

Democratic Republic of Congo, who are in group B, will be based in Huye District alongside Ethiopia, Cameroon and Angola.

The DRC won the first edition in 2009; Tunisia won the second edition, while last edition in South Africa was won by Libya, who won’t be able to defend it after failing to qualify.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw