Rwanda take on Djibouti in the second leg of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) preliminary round at Amahoro Stadium on Thursday.

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Amavubi are 1-0 down prior to the second leg game and Frank Spittler’s men will at all cost have to overturn the deficit if they are to advance to the next stage awaiting test against either South Sudan or Kenya.

Many Rwandans were unimpressed by the first leg result as they were expecting Amavubi to capitalize on their home advantage and win both legs.

But youngster Moses Nyamurangwa, who plies his trade at Djiboutian side Gendarmerie, insists the hosts shouldn’t underestimate Djibouti if they are to qualify for the next round.

"Amavubi shouldn't think this is going to be a walk over,” the Rwanda U23 player told Times Sport.

And fans are upbeat ahead of the second leg clash. Arguably the most famous supporter of Amavubi and Rayon Sports at the country and club level respectively, Bosco Ngezahimana alias Rwarutabura, said he can’t wait for kickoff time so he can support the team which he expects to win and eliminate Djibouti.

"With a big turnout inside the stadium, we are going to show them how strong we are and we ready to support our team. We will be at the stadium one or two hours before kickoff and I am confident we shall beat them,” Rwarutabura told Times Sport.

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Over 10,000 tickets were purchased and gifted to Rwandans who want to follow the match. With the support anticipated inside Amahoro Stadium, fans don’t see anything stopping their side slipping at home again.

"It is not acceptable to lose against Djibouti and it is most difficult stage for us as fans but if our boys can turn things around if we manage to go through. I am optimistic that the team will win,” said Jean Claude Kayinamura.

One Jeanine Uwamahoro also said that last week’s defeat was a learning lesson for Spittler’s men and she hopes that the team can still qualify.

"We were not happy with the results but we need to support our team for the return leg and I believe they have learned a lesson to lose to such small team is not acceptable, we need to correct the mistake and try to win this game”

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The winner of the tie will face either South Sudan or Kenya in the second round of CHAN 2025 qualifiers scheduled in December.

The CHAN 2025 finals will be held in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya from February 1-28, 2025.