June 5
Burundi vs   Rwanda
(Prince Louis Stadium) 3pm
Ivory Coast  vs   Benin

AMAVUBI coach Sellas Tetteh has backed left back Abouba Sibomana to recover in time for Sunday’s 2012 Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Burundi.

The Rayon Sport defender pulled out of Friday’s training session after what looked like a nasty knock but Tetteh yesterday confirmed that the injury is minor and that the 23-year-old should resume training tomorrow.

"It is just a knock - nothing more. He is a strong lad and should be fit for the qualifier,” the Ghanaian said.

Meanwhile, the team will be further boosted by the arrival of Kalisa Mao, Bokota Labama (Motema Pemba) and Birori Dady (Lupopo FC) this afternoon and Olivier Karekezi (Östers IF) tomorrow evening.
The quartet is part of the provisional 27-man squad that is chasing for a double against Burundi’s Swallows.

The team is expected to jet out Saturday morning aboard Rwandair and then hold a training session at the Prince Louis stadium (venue for the qualifier) in the afternoon.

Why a win is crucial for Rwanda
Rwanda’s chances of playing in their second Africa Nations Cup looked dead and buried after back to back defeats against Ivory Coast and Benin.

However, a 3-1 home win over Burundi revived their hopes of sneaking through. The result meant that Rwanda and Burundi swapped places- Rwanda rising to third place with three points and Burundi dropping to the bottom (one point).

African giants Ivory Coast still top the group (H) with nine points while Benin follow in second place with four points.

Therefore, if Amavubi win in Bujumbura and Benin lose against the Elephants, the wasps will leapfrog Benin into second place.

Ends