2012 Africa Nations Cup qualifier

October 9

Rwanda vs Benin
Burundi vs Ivory Coast

-European tour fruitful
-Uzamukunda and Paquet may play Benin match
-Tetteh spies on Benin
-Tetteh ponders drafting Katauti and other pros in team ahead of Benin clash

AFTER keeping the press in the dark about Amavubi’s preparations for the must win 2012 Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Benin, Amavubi head coach Sellas Tetteh finally opened up during an exhaustive press conference Thursday evening.

The Ghanaian, who is fresh from a European tour where he had gone to check on Rwanda’s professional players in France and Belgium, conceded that he may reconsider his decision of sticking to the locally-based players.

While in Europe, the 52-year-old had a chance to meet with Kevin Monnet-Paquet (Lorient), Mannier Gilbert Muvunyi (Rennes) and Elias Uzamukunda a.k.a Baby who plays for Cannes.

"I watched Paquet and Uzamukunda playing and I was impressed with them. From the look of things, we may draft them into the squad for the Benin qualifier,” Tetteh noted.

While Paquet and Muvunyi are chasing for their first cup, Uzamukunda is not new to the national team fold after starring for the junior wasps during last year’s U-20 Africa Nations Cup which was hosted in Kigali.

Benin scouting

Tetteh also confirmed that after watching the Burundi-Benin game on DVD, he has a glimpse of what to expect from ‘The Squirrels’ who were held to a 1-all draw in their opening game against Burundi.

Katauti and Mafisango may get Benin nod

While Tetteh was hesitant to confirm a recall for Hamad Ndikumana a.k.a Katauti and Patrick Mafisango for the Benin game, he hinted that he would consider integrating more professionals into the squad for the October 9 tie.

Rwanda is at the bottom of Group H with no point after a 3-0 defeat conceded to Ivory Coast early this month. Ivory Coast tops the group with three points while Burundi and Benin tie at  second with a point each.

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

Ends