Amavubi Stars’ assistant coaches are confident Rwanda will qualify for the 2010 Africa Nations Cup if it wins all its home fixtures.

Jean Marie Ntagwabira and Antoinne Rutsindura have both expressed their confidence about Rwanda’s chances of reaching the finals of the continent’s biggest football showpiece.

Ntagwabira said, "All we have to do is to win all our home games and hope that we win at least one of our away games and I am sure we have a squad capable of achieving that.

"None of the teams is weak, Morocco, Ethiopia and Mauritania are all strong and it’s upon us to prepare a strong team that would battle these teams,” Ntagwabira said, before adding that, "the draw is not bad, but I cannot say we would have it soft all the way.” 

His colleague, Rutsindura said, "We have to start preparations early and also get maximum support from every football fan if we are to deliver.

 "We have to organize international build-ups and have a long term programme. Displined and committed players would ensure our chances of qualifying for the Nations Cup,” the former Zebra coach said.

He added, "Qualifying for one or both (African Nations Cup and World Cup), would depend on the amount of preparations we make. Without enough preparations, we shouldn’t expect any miracles.”

 Rwanda has been drawn against North African giants Morocco along with Ethiopia and Mauritania in Group Eight for the CAN/FIFA 2010 World Cup qualifiers whose finals will be held in Angola and South Africa respectively.

The Amavubi Stars’ appearance at the 2004 Nations Cup finals in Tunisia remains the biggest achievement so far the country’s football history.

The 32 World Cup finals’ slots were divided into 13 for Europe, six for Africa (including the host nation- South Africa), four each for Asia and South America and three for Concacaf.

The winners of the Oceania group play off against the fifth-placed Asian side for a further spot while the fifth-placed finishers in South America play off for a berth against the fourth-placed team from the central and North American and Caribbean Zone.

Group Eight
Rwanda, Morocco, Ethiopia, Mauritania
Group winners and 8 best runners-up will advance to third round.

Round three:
The 20 teams from round two will be grouped in 5 groups of four in home and away format
-5 group winners qualify for the World Cup
South Africa to participate in WC as hosts. (Africa will have six teams in 2010WC).

Ends