The under 23 national football team, Amavubi U23, will have to make the most of their home advantage when they host Mali in the first leg of the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at Huye stadium, on October 22.

To qualify for the second round, Rwanda beat Libya 3-0 in the second leg at Huye Stadium, after losing 4-1 in the first leg, in Libya. Tied 4-4 in the aggregate score over two legs, Rwanda advanced to the second round due to the away goal scored in the first leg.

"We are playing against a strong opponent but we are ready. We are a strong team, especially in front of club supporters. It is important that we make the most out of home advantage and win the first-leg match. Otherwise, we will have a tough time in Mali,” said Amavubi U23 coach, Yves Rwasamanzi.

The clash against Mali is their most important game of the season, so far, he said.

The Amavubi U23 side has never reached the final stages of the continent’s biggest youth competition and will be seeking to put up a good performance ahead of the return leg scheduled for October 29, in Mali.

"We need to win the first leg. We need the support of home fans. I appeal to our fans, and Rwandans at large, to come and support the boys. We take this game very seriously. Our team is a good team but I anticipate a hard time against Mali. But we will do everything possible to win,” he added.

The national U23 squad, started on October 14 and has since been training twice a day – either at Huye Stadium.

The 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations is the fourth edition of the continental tournament, a quadrennial international age-restricted football championship organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for national teams of men under-23 in Africa.

It will be hosted by Morocco in June 2023.