International friendly

Feb.06

Burundi v Rwanda

March 26

Libya, Egypt or Ivory Coast v Rwanda

2010 Fifa/CAN qualifiers

May 31

Rwanda v Mauritania

June 7

Ethiopia v Rwanda

June 14

Rwanda v Morocco

June 21

Morocco v Rwanda

Sept. 7

Mauritania v Rwanda

Oct.12

Rwanda v Ethiopia

As the 2010 Word Cup /Africa Nations Cup qualifiers showdown draws closer, it is very likely that Amavubi Stars will weigh themselves against one of Africa’s football giants, Times Sport can reveal.

According to the local football governing body Chief Executive Officer Jules Kalisa, Amavubi could play Ivory Coast, Egypt or Libya on March 26.

During the recent CAF general assembly that was held in Ghana at the start of the on going Nations Cup, Ferwafa requested for a build-up game against any one of the trio and the concerned federations were positive about the initiative.

According to Kalisa, the trio responded positively to Rwanda’s call ahead of the continental qualifiers that kick-off in May. Although Ferwafa is yet to receive a formal response from any of the three countries, Kalisa has remained optimistic.

Amavubi Stars are grouped with Morocco, Mauritania and Ethiopia and start their qualification campaign on May 31 with a home game against Mauritania.

Rwanda will face Ethiopia away in Addis Ababa on June 7 before hosting the Atlas Lions a week later. The Amavubi Stars will then fly to Rabat on June 21 for a return leg against the North African giants.

On September 7, the 2007 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup losing finalists head to Nouakchott for the second leg against Mauritania before winding up their campaign with a home game against Ethiopia on October 12.

Morocco coach Henri Michel said he was looking ahead to building a new team for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers after their early exit from this year’s African Nations Cup.

"We have to find solutions now and move forward with a more positive group,” he said, after a 2-0 defeat by Ghana condemned Morocco to third place in Group A.

"We have to digest what we have learnt from this tournament first and then go through a lot of processes to build a new side for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

"We have to have a thorough analysis, look at the quality and strength of the team and then start building towards 2010.” Michel said he had no plans to resign despite the team’s failure to go further in the competition.

"I only started my job in October. I have to build a competitive team for the future,” he said. Morocco now turn their attention to the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, which start in May.

Ends