Amavubi look to qualify for CHAN quarter-finals

Today Rwanda vs GabonMorocco vs Ivory Coast Rwanda national football team, Amavubi, will take Gabon’s Les Pantheres in their second tie of 2016 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) today afternoon at Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali. Johnny McKinstry’s boys will be looking to pick their second win to make it to the knockout stage. Amavubi beat Ivory Coast 1-0 in the opening game of the tournament on Saturday. McKinstry will rely on players like skipper Jacques Tuyisenge, forward Dany Usengimana and Emery Bayisenge to push for the crucial win. Les Pantheres will also be determined to get a win if they are to improve their chances of performing better than they did in the 2014 edition where Libya ejected them in the quarter finals in South Africa. Gabon settled for a draw in their first game of the 2016 CHAN against Morocco. Gabon and Rwanda have met six times in the past, and each has won three matches. “We don’t want to let our chances go. We know we will face a strong side, but we are ready for the challenge,” Amavubi skipper Jacques Tuyisenge said. Tuyisenge appealed to the fans to continue turning up in big numbers to support Amavubi because the team has the capacity to beat any opponent. Gabon defeated Chad 2-1 in the qualifying round to confirm their spot at this year’s tournament in Rwanda. Jorge Costa’s team will be led by 38-year-old veteran, Engozo’o Avebe Cyrille, in today’s game. Rwanda lead the group with three points followed by Gabon and Morocco with one point each, while Ivory Coast has no point. “We have the potential to win any game and we will give our best against any team. We know what it takes to reach the knockout stages, so we will go out against Gabon looking for three points,” added Tuyisenge. Gabon head coach Stéphane Bounguendz said that they will be looking to pick up the three points. “We want to remain in CHAN. This is the time to show that we are a good team. Rwanda is a strong side and they are playing at home, so we have to be careful,” he said. Michel Dussuyer’s boys booked a place in this year’s championship after defeating Ghana in the qualification round. Cote d’Ivoire defeated the Black Stars 2-2 on away goals rule. Badou Ezzaki’s Eagles of Carthage will be eyeing a win in their second game against Ivory Coast. Raja Casablanca playmaker Hafidi Abdelilah and Wydad Casablanca forward Ounnajem Mohammed are some of the key figures in the Lions of the Atlas side. In the other match today, Ivory Coast will face Morocco. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Amavubi look to qualify for CHAN quarter-finals