AFTER a promising display against Libya, the national U-23 coach Yves Rwasamanzi reckons that the team needs early preparations to put in an even better display against Mali in the second round of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The first leg of the second round game against Mali will be played between 21 – 23 October while the return leg is slated for between 28-30 October 2022.

The Amavubi were down 4-1 after the first leg in Libya but surged back for a 3-0 victory in the second leg at the Huye Stadium.

Tied 4-4 in the aggregate score over two legs, Rwanda advanced to the second round due to the away goal they scored in the first leg in Libya and will face Mali next.

The national football team head coach, Yves Rwasamanzi, has urged his players to be more focused in the next game which he described as ‘a vital match for Amavubi.

"We want to be at the top level when we face Mali and that will only be possible if we do our homework well. We need to start training early so that we can be ready for the next round,” Rwasamanzi said.