Don't underrate Gabon, Karekezi warns Amavubi players

Former captain Olivier Karekezi has warned Amavubi players not to be overconfident and underestimate Gabon when the two teams meet in the second match in CHAN 2016 Group A on Wednesday at Amahoro National Stadium. Rwanda defeated Ivory Coast 1-0 in the tournament opening match on Saturday and enjoy a two-point caution at the top of the group. However, Karekezi, who is the country warned, “It is going to be tougher more than the first match because Gabon want to win the game to stay in the competition.” “Our players have to be more focused than they did against Ivory Coast,” he said, noting that Amavubi need to get a good result on Wednesday, and book early qualification to the quarter-finals in order to avoid the nerves of the last group game against Morocco four days later. The former APR forward stated that, “If we survive in this deadly group, which is possible, anything can happen for reminder of the tournament, but it will require every player to be at his best.” Rwanda is the first East African country to host the second most glamorous football event on the continent. Rwanda made her debut at the biannual continental showpiece in 2011 in Sudan but failed to go past the group stage after failing to win a single game. Karekezi’s sentiments were echoed by another Amavubi legend Eugene Murangwa. After Saturday’s win, the former Rwanda and Rayon Sports goalkeeper said, “We did it, well done boys! Very pleased and impressed by the boys maturity and tactical awareness.” “Winning with a score line of 1-0 from a goal scored in the first 20 minutes and in such big game is not an easy thing by all means. Credit goes to Johnny McKinstry and his entire coaching staff! They have made us proud. Now, they need to focus on the next game,” Murangwa added. editorial@newtimes.co.rw