Rwanda head coach Torsten Spittler admits Benin capitalized on his side’s mistakes to win Friday’s AFCON qualifier in Abidjan but vowed to improve the performance when they welcome the same side in Kigali on Tuesday.
The German tactician attribute their 3-0 loss to Gernot Rohr’s Cheetahs to a host of costly mistakes but he insists his side can bounce back after rectifying all the shortfalls during the training sessions.
"It will be a tough match but we have been able to rectify our mistakes. The team is in a good mood and everyone is ready for the game," Spittler told the media in a pre-match press conference.
"We lost the first game through defensive lapses. Someone at the back failed to do his job. Mounie was not marked and he punished us in five minutes. Now, we have learnt valuable lessons especially at the back, we must defend as a team."
ALSO READ: AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Improved Rwanda hold Super Eagles in Kigali
Rwanda has now put the Abidjan nightmare behind as they look to end their winless jinx against the Cheetahs when the two sides square off at Amahoro Stadium.
"At this level, you will be punished if you make petty mistakes. We had a chance to score in the 3rd minute, we couldn&039;t and they scored with their first attack of the game through a corner kick," he said.
Spittler could make defensive changes as he looks to do without injured Thierry Manzi.
"Thierry Manzi's injury is not serious like we thought but he cannot start on Tuesday. For Kwizera, he is fit and can start the match."
He, however, faces a selection headache on who to start between left backs Emmanuel Imanishimwe and Claude Niyomugabo.
ALSO READ: AFCON Qualifiers: Rohr wary of Amavubi threat
"I think this is a new game and there will be different approach. Claude (Niyomugabo) played in Benin because he had a very good game against Nigeria. It was normal for him to start ahead of Imanishimwe because when you play well, you deserve a chance and it will help the others on the bench to also perform when they get the chance,” he explained.
Rwanda are third in Group D with 2 points from three games while Benin are second with 6 points, a point behind leaders Nigeria.