2014 World Cup Qualifier

TodayRwanda vs Algeria - 5.30pmMali vs Benin - 8pmTanzania vs Cote d’IvoireMozambique vs EgyptEthiopia vs South Africa

WHEN the Amavubi Stars trot into the field this afternoon against the Desert Foxes of Algeria, they will have a few things on mind: to defeat the visitors, win back supporters’ trust and love, as well as to reclaim the nation’s pride.

A disappointed nation, displeased by the Amavubi’s failure to make an impact since qualifying for their maiden African Cup of Nations tournament in 2004, would certainly be hoping for a good performance to exorcise the ghosts of a terrible past year.

And coach Eric Nshimiyimana will have a mammoth task of propelling his misfiring troops to victory in the FIFA World Cup qualifier at Amahoro National Stadium, where Algeria have not tested victory in three attempts.

With only two points after four rounds of games, Rwanda is no longer in the running for top spot in qualifying Group H of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, but still have so much to gain with a win on Sunday against the group leaders, who won the corresponding fixture 4-0 in Algiers.

Speaking to Sunday Sport, Nshimiyimana sounded the optimistic note that while his team’s hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup had been shattered, they were now focusing on building for other competitions such as African Nations Championship and Africa Cup of Nations in 2014 and 2015.

A few positives were picked from their past two matches, a creditable one-all draw away to Mali in Bamako, and, though it would be foolhardy to consider succumbing 2-1 at home against Mali as a good result, the flowing football played and chances created proved Amavubi did have potential.

"We know that we cannot qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals. That is why we are concentrating on building our young team for the future; for the CHAN and the Africa Cup in 2015.

"But we will play a good game. We know it won’t be an easy match but we will play a good game. We are going to work harder and give everything to see if we can win,” said the former Amavubi midfielder.

"We have to win and with winning we will gain the confidence and prepare for the upcoming tournaments. What is important is really winning this match,” added the tactician, who was part of the AFCON 2004 team in Tunis.

The former Amavubi skipper will have to do without suspended playmaker Haruna Niyonzima but in Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, he has an equally effective replacement in the defensive role as Andrew Buteera leads the distribution role.

Striker Meddie Kagere, who has scored three goals in this World Cup qualifying campaign, will be hoping to extend his rich form in Amavubi colours.

The Algeria coach, Vahid Halilhodzic knows securing a win at Amahoro will be a tough task but has called on his team to treat Rwanda with the highest degree of respect to avoid any form of complacency.

The Bosnian said: "Rwanda has nothing to lose, so we must not underestimate them. They played for more than 30 minutes while a man less and still managed to draw with Mali.”

Rwanda has never lost to Algeria in Kigali in previous continental matches that have pitted both sides. 

In the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Rwanda held Algeria to a goalless draw in Kigali on March 28, 2009, but went on to lose in Algiers. And on October 9, 2004, Rwanda held Algeria to a 1-all draw in Kigali but lost 1-0 away in Algiers.

Amavubi defence should be wary of CR Belouizdad striker Islam Slimani, who scored a brace in their 3-1 against Benin. 

Algeria are top of the table on nine points, two ahead of second-placed Mali, who welcome third-placed Mali in Bamako. Benin are third on four points, while Rwanda have two points.

Guinea’s Yakhouba Keita is the designated referee for this Group H clash.