Amavubi must win as defeat spells trouble

Today
Group H

Burundi   vs  Rwanda  3pm
Benin    vs  Ivory Coast

Bujumbura - All the hard work and meticulous preparations by the national football team will all boil down to one thing, and that’s a good result. 

A win for Amavubi will greatly increase their chances of playing at the 2012 Nations’ Cup just much as defeat leaves very little to play for in the next two qualifiers against Benin and Ivory Coast.

After a disastrous start in the qualifiers where Rwanda lost their opening two ties, to Ivory Coast and Benin, a sense of belief has since returned after the much needed win against today’s opponents in the corresponding fixture in March.

This afternoon’s encounter is expected to be very close, feisty and could turn ugly if the players allow emotions to overtake them.

Coach Sellas Tetteh thinks this game will redeem the team’s chances for the 2012 nations’ and restore confidence in the players.

"We have prepared well for this game. The players are in high spirits and eager to deliver. It is a derby, so at times there will be some emotions involved but we are totally focused on winning,” the Ghanaian told Sunday Sport after yesterday’s afternoon’s training session.

A win for Rwanda, coupled with a loss for Benin in their clash with group leaders Ivory Coast will move Amavubi to second place in Group H on six points.

The national side arrived in Bujumbura yesterday morning and had a light training session in the afternoon at the Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium in the afternoon to acclimatize with the humid conditions.

On the side, Burundi’s Coach Adel Amrouche, who is also under immense pressure to win this afternoon, has cut off the media from his team’s training camp.

Bujumbura is full of buzz ahead of this derby match and people have been talking and placing bets about this game every where. Many People were hooting cars, blowing vuvuzelas the whole of yesterday.

Many Rwandans are already in the capital ready to spur the national side but many may not get the chance of entering the 8000 capacity Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium.

Ticket prices have sky rocketed due to the increased demand. A VIP ticket is going for 50.000 FBU (Frw 25000), 25000 FBU for Pavilion, (Frw 12500) and FBU7500 (Frw 3500) for open stands.

Amavubi Squad

Jean Luc Ndayishimiye, Jean Claude Ndoli, Eric Gasana, Abouba Sibomana, Ismail Nshutiyamagara, Donatien Tuyizere, Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, Hussein Sibomana, Peter Kagabo, Haruna Niyonzima, Eric Serugaba, Jacques Tuyisenge, Said Abed Makasi, Elias Uzamukunda, Mutesa Mafisango, Olivier Karekezi, Kalisa Mao, Bokota Labama.

Ends