Group ARwanda (Host), Mali, Ghana, Cameroon Group B Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Ivory Coast Rwanda’s FixturesRwanda v Mali 18/01/2009Cameroon v Rwanda 21/01/2009Rwanda v Ghana 24/01/2009 Plans are underway for the U-20 national team to have their final preparations for the 16th African Youth Championships set for January 18-February 1 in Kigali in Tunisia. This development was confirmed the team head coach Tomislav Obradovic in a recent interview with Times Sport. According the Croat, the Rwandan team will play up to five build-ups matches with top Tunisian premier league clubs.He said, “Our stint in Tunisia would go along way to help us define and rectify our weaknesses as well as solidifying our strong points.” Tomislav is expected to name the national team mid this month before heading to Tunisia for the final preparations. Tomislav, who is yet to prove his credentials as a top coach capable of winning things with the team, face one of the toughest challenges of coaching career as he tries win to the continental championship title on home soil. But booming confidence ahead of the continental showpiece, Tomislav believes that his team has every chance not only to win the event but also qualify for their maiden Fifa World Cup. Rwanda faces Mali, Cameroon and Ghana in Group A while Group B is made up of Nigeria, Ivory Coast, South Africa and Egypt. Nigeria dethroned the Young Pharaohs in the final of the 2005 edition in Benin to win their fifth African Youth crown. Rwanda needs only to reach the semi-finals of next year’s African Youth Championships to be assured of a place at the World Youth Championships finals to be hosted by Egypt. If Egypt qualifies for the last four at the continental event in Kigali, Africa will be represented by a record five teams at the world event. Congo Brazzaville won the last edition which was held on its home soil after overcoming Nigeria 1-0 in the final game. Ends
