Rwanda national team captain Haruna Niyonzima has said teamwork and confidence will see Amavubi Stars lead in their group at the 2016 African Nations Championship in Rwanda from January 16 to February 7. The host country was drawn in Group A alongside Gabon, Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire for the fourth edition of the continental tournament designed exclusively for footballers playing in their domestic leagues. Reacting to the draw, which put Amavubi in what many believe is the group of death, Niyonzima said, “It’s a tough group but I am sure we can beat anyone. What we need to do is to be confident that we can compete with any of the big teams on the continent.” The Yanga playmaker added, “We are at home; so we don’t have to fear any of these teams. Our players have to be ready to face anyone. This is big competition but we have to be ready.” Winners of the maiden edition in 2009, DR Congo are in Group B together with Cameroon, Ethiopia and 2011 losing finalists Angola. The draws were done on Sunday at the Kigali Serena Hotel. CAF Secretary General Hicham El Amrani conducted the draws with the assistance of Niyonzima and head coach of the Rwanda women’s national team, Marie Grace Nyinawumuntu Group A will be based at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Group B at Huye Stadium in Huye, Group C at Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo with Umuganda stadium in Rubavu hosting Group D. The full draw: Group A: Rwanda, Gabon, Morocco, Cote d’IvoireGroup B: DR Congo, Angola. Cameroon, EthiopiaGroup C: Tunisia, Nigeria Niger, GuineaGroup D: Zimbabwe, Mali, Uganda, Zambia editorial@newtimes.co.rw
