2012 Afcon qualifiers

Saturday
Group H

Rwanda  vs Burundi (Regional Stadium) 3:30pm
Benin      vs  Ivory Coast

AMAVUBI captain Haruna Niyonzima has challenged his teammates to rise up to the occasion by defeating Burundi in Saturday’s crucial 2012 Nations Cup qualifier.

The wasps are currently bottom of Group H after losing their first two qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Benin.
While Burundi lost out to Ivory Coast (1-0) in Bujumbura, they still enjoy a valuable point after holding Benin to a 1-1 draw.

Niyonzima, who has been pivotal in APR’s league dominance over the last few years, is convinced the team has the potential to beat Burundi but only if the players play to their full potential.

"We got off to a bad start in the qualifying campaign but we can still make the most of our remaining games,” the 22-year-old midfielder said.

"We all know that Burundi is a good side but so are we and we must prove that on Saturday,” he added.
The team, which has camped at hotel La Pallise Nyandungu, is not likely to play any build-up matches.

Last week, Amavubi head coach Sellas Tetteh told Times Sport that he has been keeping tabs on their opponents and has useful information to see them off in what promises to be a fiercely contested game at Kigali Regional Stadium.

The only summoned professional players in the 23-man provisional squad are Azam midfielder Patrick Mafisango, who is already in camp and France-based striker Elias Uzamukunda, who jets in today.

Provisional 22-man Squad: Jean Luc Ndayishimiye (APR), Jean Claude Ndoli (APR), Patrick Rutayisire (AS Kigali), Clement Mutunzi (Police), Abouba Sibomana (Rayon Sport), Donatien Tuyizere (APR), Eric Gasana (APR), Adolphe Hakundukize (Musanze), Jean Claude Iranzi (APR), Peter Kagabo (Rayon Sport), Kipson Atuheire (APR), Jacques Tuyisenge (Kiyovu), Haruna Niyonzima (APR), Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (APR), Hussein Sibomana (Kiyovu), Abbas Rassou (APR), Emmanuel Sebanani (APR), Eric Serugaba (Kiyovu), Roger Tchouassi (Police), Patrick Mafisango (Azam), Elias Uzamukunda (AS Cannes) and Said Abedi Makasi (club less).

Ends