AFCON 2025: Imanishimwe eyes Libya win to keep ticket hope alive
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Defender Emmanuel Imanishimwe joined Amavubi squad for Tuesday's training session at Amahoro Stadium ahead of Libya make-or-break clash on Thursday, November 14, same ground-courtesy

With Rwanda’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualification hopes standing at 50-50, Amavubi left-back Emmanuel Imanishimwe is clear about what’s at stake and promised that he and his teammates will give their all to beat Libya in Kigali on Thursday, November 14, to boost their qualification chances.

The AEL Limassol defender was Amavubi’s standout player, putting in man-of-the-match performance in their 2-1 comeback victory against Benin in September in at Amahoro Stadium.

He joined the rest of the squad in Tuesday evening training session as the group prepares for the crunch tie against the Northern Africans.

Prior to the match, Imanishimwe didn’t hold back on the team’s determination.

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"It’s a game we’re looking to win with everything we have,” he told Times Sport.

"We know what this match means for our qualification chances. Everyone is focused on getting the three points.”

Amavubi’s squad, led by coach Spittler, entered their residential camp on November 10 to intensify preparations for the home clash.

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Currently, Rwanda sits in third place with five points. With Nigeria leading the group with 10 points and Benin following with six, Amavubi needs a win against bottom-placed Libya, who have just one point, to stay in contention.

"Winning here would give us a real chance,” Imanishimwe noted. "But we’re also counting on other results, so we need to focus on what we can control and let the rest unfold.”

Rwanda’s final qualifier will be a crucial trip to Uyo, where they will take on Nigeria, on November 18.