Nshimiyimana opts for youth in Ivory Coast friendly

International friendly Ivory Coast 1-0 Tanzania TomorrowIvory Coast  vs Rwanda AMAVUBI Stars interim coach Eric Nshimiyimana has stuck with his youthful team that reached the final of the Cecafa Challenge Cup last month in Kenya for tomorrow’s international friendly against Ivory Coast in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

International friendly
Ivory Coast 1-0 Tanzania

Tomorrow
Ivory Coast  vs Rwanda

AMAVUBI Stars interim coach Eric Nshimiyimana has stuck with his youthful team that reached the final of the Cecafa Challenge Cup last month in Kenya for tomorrow’s international friendly against Ivory Coast in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Tanzania and Rwanda were chosen by the Ivorians as part of their preparations for the African Cup of Nations that kicks off this Sunday in Angola.

The only changes in Amavubi’s side are Eric Gasana and Abbas Rassou who bring experience to the side that also boosts of Mutesa Mafisango and Jean Claude Ndoli.

The 39-year-old coach also hinted that his team will not treat the match softly and that they will go out to for a win. "We want to do well against one of the best sides in Africa. I have instructed the players not to treat the match lightly, because it may be a stepping stone for their careers,” Nshimiyimana said.  The team left this morning (3am) abroad Kenya airways.

Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba scored his 41st goal for the Ivory Coast against Taifa stars on Monday evening.

Drogba scored six minutes before halftime in Dar-es-Salaam and his goal proved to be the winner for the Ivorians, who are the pre-tournament favourites for the Jan. 10-31 finals in Angola.

Amavubi Stars:

J.LNdayishimiye, J.C.Ndoli, A.Rugogoza, D.Tuyizere, A.Uwirimana, M.Mafisango, B.Mugiraneza, H.Niyonzima, G.Abdoulkari, D.Mwiseneza, J.C.Iranzi, E.Rutayisire, B.Ndaboyisibo, Y.Ndayishime, K.Didier, T.Ndamuhanga, E.Serugaba, A.Muezirwa, E.Muyekure, A.Rassou and M.Twite.

Ends