Rwanda defender Thierry Manzi has called on his teammates to do what is necessary to maintain their bright start to FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers if they are to increase their chances of qualifying.
Frank Spittler’s side visits Benin at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on June 6 before they go up against Lesotho at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa on June 11.
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The opening two qualifying games, both held at Huye Stadium in November, left Rwanda leading Group C standings with 4 points after a stunning 2-0 victory over South Africa and a goalless draw with Zimbabwe.
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Prior to the two qualifiers, Manzi told Times Sport that everyone in the group wants to keep the winning mentality which would help them boost their hopes of being on the plane to the world’s biggest football competition.
"Our dream is to win every game ahead of us, we have to make sure we’re totally ready to face Benin and Lesotho games. We want to always try to get better results in every game and we all need to pull in the same direction if we’re to get the points against Benin and Lesotho,” the Al Ahli Tripoli defender said in an interview.
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"We want to win the match against Benin because it will help us in terms of confidence going into the next qualifiers. We’re a very good side and we have a good coach who has shown the character of improving the players and team so we are ready for the job.”
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Thus, despite the better position of Benin on the current FIFA ranking, Rwanda might take advantage that both teams will be playing an away-like game and impose the results to be different from those that the opposing side would get in front of its home supporters in Cotonou.
"Playing at this level comes with so much pressure but that’s football, we have to deal with it. We will be aiming for a good result. Benin has top players but we have to concentrate on ourselves for every game ahead of us,” noted the former APR and Rayon Sports defender.
The national team will begin the training camp on May 20.