Ndikumana is yet to gain fitness

Group C

Mar 28: Rwanda v  Algeria
Mar 29: Egypt     v  Zambia

Amavubi Stars skipper Olivier Karekezi believes a win against Algeria tomorrow will go a long way to determine Rwanda’s chances of qualifying for the final of the 2010 Africa Nations’ Cup in Angola.

The Amavubi ace told Times Sport yesterday that Rwanda has all it takes to qualify for the Nations’ Cup but that this must be proved first by beating Algeria’s Desert Foxes.

"Our main goal is to qualify for the Cup of Nations. Everybody is dreaming about South Africa but everything will depend on our first game against Algeria. We have to be realistic.

"We are only thinking about winning against Algeria. But I want to promise Rwandans that we are here to sacrifice everything for the cause,” Karekezi said.

The Ham Kam (Norway) midfielder applauded the level of the trio of recently adopted professional players that includes Ivorian born midfielder Jules Cesar Oulai (Belgian third division A club Union Saint-Gilloise as well as DR Congo-born pair of Jean Paul Lutula (forward), and Jean Paul Kielo Lezi (midfielder) who ply their trade with Belgian second division club FC Brussels.

He said, "These players will certainly add something to the team. They seem to have the qualities to fit into the squad.” Meanwhile, with a day before the opening qualifier, defender Hamad Ndikumana is yet to recover full fitness.

The 30-year-old, who features for Cyprus Premier league club AC Omonio, is only making light training due to the fatigue from his long journey from Cyprus to Kigali. He even caught a cold on the way.

For Rwanda to better her chances of qualifying for either the World Cup or African Nations’ Cup finals, they will be required to win every single home game and hope to get something from the away games.

Ends