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Rayon 2-2 Amavubi

2012 Africa Nations Cup qualifier

Oct. 9

Rwanda vs Benin
Burundi vs Ivory Coast

GOING by yesterday’s display, there is still a lot of work to be done if Amavubi are to bounce back from their wobbly start in the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifiers.

The wasps could only settle for a 2-all draw against a short of strength Rayon side in the friendly which was held at Amahoro stadium, the venue for Amavubi’s October 9 qualifier against Benin.

APR midfielder Albert Ngabo gave Amavubi the lead on the 20th minute but Rayon fought back through Didier Mabula to leave the scores level at half time.

After the break, Amavubi restored their lead when left winger Abuba Sibomana curled in a free- kick from the edge of the 18 yard box. But that only re-ignited the Blues who restored parity 14 minutes from time through Seleman Bizimana who made the most of sloppy goalkeeping from Amavubi number one Jean Luc Ndayishimiye ‘Bakame’.

The wasps, who have been in residential training at La Palisse Nyandungu for close to a month, delivered a weary and at times unconvincing performance, but the team captain Haruna Niyonzima attributed the abject display to intensive training.

"We have done a lot of intensive training in the past few days so our bodies are trying to cope with that,” he conceded adding that morale in the dressing room was high. "The mood in the dressing room is sky high and the boys are ready to go out there and express themselves.”

Rwanda, who are drawn in Group H together with West African giants Ivory Coast, Burundi and Benin, lie at the bottom of the group following their 3-0 loss away to the Elephants. Burundi and Benin are second with a point each while Ivory Coast top the group.

Rwanda is seeking a second appearance at Africa’s premier football tournament following their debut in 2004.

Ends