CHAN: Ex-internationals predict victory for Amavubi

Friday: Group CLibya Vs Nigeria 6:30pmEq. Guinea Vs Rwanda 9:30pm Following a goalless draw with Nigeria in the opening Group C match at the ongoing 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco, ex-Rwanda internationals have tipped the Amavubi to shine in the remaining games. Former Amavubi midfielder and coach Eric Nshimiyimana said that, after the draw against Nigeria, Amavubi are motivated to do better against Equatorial Guinea tonight. “They are not the strongest squad but they managed to keep a clean sheet against a big team like Nigeria, so they need to take their confidence into the Equatorial Guinea game,” Nshimiyimana said. The AS Kigali coach noted that, “They need to have the determination, morale and belief that they can get the job done on Friday. It will be unfortunate if they fail to get three points in the second game.” Rwanda will face Equatorial Guinea in the second match on Friday night at Grand Stade de Tanger, starting at 9:30pm, while Nigeria will meet group leaders Libya in the other encounter. Libya defeated debutants Equatorial Guinea 3-0 in the first game and victory against the Super Eagles will assure them a place in the last eight before the final group clash with Rwanda next week. According to former national team captain, Desire Mbonabucya, Amavubi have their destiny in their hands to reach the knockout round. “The country has done everything for the players and staff. It is time to pay back because they owe us happiness and I believe they have the quality and capacity to make Rwanda proud,” he stated. The ex-SC Kiyovu striker noted that Rwanda stands a good chance to qualify to the next round. “It will be hard to go through as table leaders (from Group C) but it is very possible as best first runners-up,” he said. Mbonabucya added that Amavubi need to win the two remaining matches, which he said is “very possible.” Another former Rwanda international, Jimmy Mulisa, who is now the head coach of APR FC, said that, “The boys did a good job to get a point against Nigeria, which puts them in a good position to go for a win against Equatorial Guinea before the final game (against Libya).” “The match against Equatorial Guinea will be a good opportunity for the players to show that the performance in the first match was not a one-off and that they’re up to the challenge,” he noted. Rwanda head coach Antoine Hey admitted that the encounter against Equatorial Guinea will be a different challenge. The team held full training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday as they geared up for Friday’s crucial encounter in which they would take a significant step towards the quarter finals with victory. Rwanda reached the quarter-finals of the 2016 CHAN finals, which they hosted. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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CHAN: Ex-internationals predict victory for Amavubi