Amavubi skipper Jacques Tuyisenge has warned his teammates not to underestimate their Group A opponents Ivory Coast in the opening match of the 4th edition of the Orange Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) on Saturday at Amahoro national stadium.

Amavubi will have the advantage of playing at home and in-front of their supporters but their mission to get the three points won’t be easy against a Cote d’Ivoire team full of talents.

With one day left to the big event in Rwanda, Tuyisenge, who netted Amavubi’s lone goal in the 1-0 win against DR Congo in a build-up match on Sunday at Umuganda stadium, has urged his teammates to stay focused.

"Cote d’Ivoire is a very good side and very tricky. They have very good players so we have to be careful, but must be prepared to give our best on Saturday,” Tuyisenge told Times Sport.

The Police FC forward added, "We know very well that Ivory Coast is the best team in Africa and we have watched their videos as we prepare for the opening match.”

"Our preparations for CHAN have gone so well and I think, as a team, we are a well organized. We have gained a lot during the training period as well from the two friendly matches (against Cameroon and DR Congo),” noted the 24-year-old.

This will be Rwanda’s second participation at the CHAN finals tournament after they lost all their 3 group stage matches on their debut in 2011 in Sudan.

Cote d’Ivoire have more experience in this tournament as they make their 3rd appearance. However, just like Rwanda, they will be looking for their first qualification to the knockout stage.

The match will be tough for Johnny McKinstry’s Amavubi, who will be looking for the first win against Cote d’Ivoire who have a record of four wins and two draws against Rwanda.

A total of 16 teams will take part in the tournament, the second biggest international football showpiece on the continent. After Cote d’Ivoire, Amavubi will play their second group match against Gabon on January 20 before winding up against Morocco four days later.

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