Amavubi created numerous goal-scoring chances but ended up losing 1-0 to Libya at Amahoro Stadium on Thursday, November 14 in a 2024 AFCON Group D qualifier.
It was a game Amavubi needed to win but they fell short as they were pipped by the Knights of the Mediterranean.
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Now, aside from Nigeria who booked their ticket to the AFCON courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Benin in Abidjan, all the other three nations in the group have a chance to grab the remaining ticket.
Times Sport takes a look at things which went wrong for Amavubi in the defeat to Libya.
Players’ wastefulness
Amavubi missed not less than seven clear goal scoring chances ranging from empty nets to sitters and headers. On the other hand, Libya had just two good chances and scored from one.
The national team dominated possession and outplayed the Libyans but could not score and at the end, they were punished.
Again, a player like Bosco Ruboneka who is an expert in shooting and has a good goal scoring ratio at club level should have been brought on, as Amavubi needed someone to put the ball at the back of the net.
Lack of urgency in the latter part of the second half
From the 80th minute, Amavubi started playing like there was nothing at stake. It seemed like they gave up easily.
They started losing balls in key areas. The Libyans capitalised on it and came all out to score the winner in the 84th minute.
Tactical mistakes at some points
The first 30 minutes of the second half saw Libya not crossing the centre circle as they were in their own half defending.
Spittler would have made some bold tactical maneuvers in the game. For instance, when the Libyans were not coming forward, he could have sacrificed Fitina Omborenga for a striker and played three at the back.
Substitutions were too early
Amavubi doesn't have the needed squad depth. Samuel Gueulette and Jojea Kwizera are two of the key players who can change the phase of the game.
They were not bad in the first half and Spittler should have kept them at least for the first 15 or 20 minutes of the second half.