Amavubi welcome the "Mediterranean Knights” of Libya to Amahoro Stadium in Thursday’s make-or-break AFCON 2025 Group D qualifier.

The penultimate fixture will be crucial for both sides considering that it can decide their fate of making it to the continental showpiece in Morocco.

Rwanda are 3rd in Group D with 5 points while Libya find themselves at the bottom of the table with just 1 point.

Both teams have good players who can make a difference and Times Sport takes a look at five of them who could prove decisive ahead of the epic encounter.

Innocent Nshuti (Rwanda)

The One Knoxville FC striker has been in fine form for Amavubi during the qualifying campaign, scoring twice in 4 games.

Nshuti remains key to Amavubi's fortunes and, although he gets fewer services in attack, he always makes sure his presence is felt.

He will lead Amavubi attack on Thursday and he could hurt the Libyans in Kigali just like he did against the same side in Tripoli.

ALSO READ: AFCON 2025: Things you should know about the Libyan team ahead of Rwanda qualifier

Subhi Al-Dhawi (Libya)

The Al Ittihad Tripoli defender is among the best emerging players in Libyan football and he is regarded as a star for the future.

The 20-year-old left-back had a great game in the first leg match against Amavubi in Tripoli as he weaved through the Rwandan defense to net the opening goal in a game which ended 1-1.

The likes of right-back Fitina Ombrorenga should be wary of Al Dhawi and avoid giving him too much space to operate, otherwise he can cause havoc.

Djihad Bizimana (Rwanda)

The leader and the live wire of the Amavubi team. Bizimana has been in fine form for FC Kryvbas in Ukraine since last season and it has transcended into the national team.

He has proven himself as the engine of Frank Spittler’s team and contributes both to the team's offensive and defensive play.

Bizimana netted the winning goal as Rwanda completed a 2-1 comeback win over Benin and will be looking forward to making a huge impact again on Thursday.

ALSO READ: AFCON 2025: Imanishimwe eyes Libya win to keep ticket alive

Moatesem Al-Musrati (Libya)

He is the biggest player in the Libyan side who plays his club football for Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas.

The 28-year-old defensive midfielder has had a good career playing for Rio Ave and Sporting Braga in Portugal among others.

He has 40 appearances under his belt for Libya from which he has scored twice and he is the player who sets the tempo of their game.

He is a strong asset for Libya and he can serve as a box-to-box midfielder contributing to both their defensive and offensive play.

Amavubi’s midfield comprising Bonheur Mugisha, skipper Djihad Bizimana and Samuel Gueulette must nullify his threat if they are to control the game.

Emmanuel Imanishimwe (Rwanda)

Imanishimwe has been by far the best player as Amavubi defeated Benin 2-1 in the AFCON qualifier in Kigali on October 15 and he is set to maintain his place against Libya despite tough challenge from APR captain Claude Niyomugabo.

The AEL Limassol star did not play in the reversed fixture against Libya in Tripoli as he was indisposed. He brings so much quality into Amavubi defense and could he be the decisive factor in the game.

Imanishimwe showed his attacking credentials as he set up Nshuti for the equalizer against Benin and, with his usual pace, he can do more against Libya.