Amavubi line up friendly against Senegal

International Friendly (May 28)Rwanda vs Senegal AFCON 2017 Qualifier (June 4)Rwanda vs Mozambique Amavubi will play against Senegal in an international friendly on May 28 ahead of the AFCON 2017 Gabon qualifiers return leg against Mozambique slated for June 4 in Kigali, the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has said. Rwanda are currently second in Group H with six points, halfway through their target as they strive to qualify for the AFCON finals tournament for the second time in history, while Mozambique are bottom of the table with just a point. Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé will also be using the friendly to prepare his squad ahead of their qualifier against Burundi. The West African team top Group K with 12 points and are placed 4th in Africa. A draw for Senegal in Bujumbura will book them a place at the AFCON finals. They are expected to jet into Kigali on May 21 and stay until June 1 before heading to Bujumbura for their game, also set for June 4. “We are pleased that we have managed to secure top quality opposition in the form of Senegal to aid our preparations for our important AFCON qualifiers with Mozambique,” Amavubi head coach Johnny McKinstry said of the high profile friendly. McKinstry said Senegal will arrive in Kigali with an array of talents in their squad, and will present a formidable test for Rwanda when they play on May 28. “Given the importance of our game against Mozambique a week later - such a test will help to ensure our players are well prepared both physically and mentally. It will also provide a number of players with the opportunity to prove they should be selected a week later,” McKinstry added. Rwanda beat Mozambique 1-0 in the opening match of Group H; Amavubi went on to lose to Ghana 1-0 and again 1-0 to Mauritius in Belle Vue before McKinstry’s team humiliated Mauritius 5-0 in Kigali last month. Both Amavubi and the Lions of Teranga of Seneral have never met at any level in football. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Amavubi line up friendly against Senegal