2010 World/CAN Qualifier
Saturday
Group Three
Rwanda v Zambia
Egypt     v Algeria

NORWEGIAN based professional player Olivier Karekezi is confident Amavubi can pip Zambia to that final qualification slot for the 2010 Africa Nations Cup (CAN) in Luanda, Angola.

Karekezi told Times Sport that he has recovered fully and is in good shape to propel the wasps to what will be a second appearance at the Nations Cup.

"I’m ready for the game. We know what is expected of us and we just have to do that to qualify,” he noted.

The 29-year old also highlighted that confidence in the team and home support will be key determinants in Saturday’s game.

Karekezi, regarded to be one of the country’s most gifted players by many missed the last qualifier against Algeria due to a thigh injury sustained while playing for Ham Kam in the Norwegian second division.

Meanwhile, six professional players are expected to join the national team camp in the next two days.

They include Said Abedi Makasi, who features for Morocco’s Difaa El Jadida, team captain Hamad Ndikumana (AEL Limassol), Saddou Boubakary (Al Ahly Tripoli), Louis Aniweta (Nea Salamina Famagusta), Jean Paul Lutula (FC Brussels) and Edwin Ouon (AEL Limassol).

Despite managing a point from a possible 15, Rwanda still have a mathematical chance of making it to Angola. Amavubi need to win the Cooper Bullets by a two-goal margin to realize their dream.

Technically, a two-goal victory for Amavubi will leave the sides level on points, bringing goal difference and the head to head record into play.

In a related development, World governing body FIFA have warned Egypt and Algeria to cool it before their eagerly awaited top of the table clash which will be held at Cairo International Stadium.

With rivalry reaching its climax, Egyptian and Algerian media had a tense exchange of words in the build up to Saturday’s anticipated clash.

Egypt, who last reached the World Cup in 1990, needs to beat Algeria by a three-goal margin to secure their World Cup ticket.

A two-goal margin will set up a playoff meeting with the Desert Foxes on a neutral venue.

Ends