Rwanda’s top players are confident of registering a home win against Algeria in the third round of the World/Africa Nations’ Cup opening qualifier. Though the Desert Fox played out a 1-1 all draw against Amavubi Stars at home three years ago before losing 0-1 in Algiers in the return leg, Amavubi players are expecting to triumph at home in bid to reach Angola. Skipper Olivier Karekezi said, “We want nothing else but a straignt win. A draw in this game is like a loss for us.” Karekezi and Said Abedi are joint top scorers for Rwanda in these qualifiers with three goals each. Defence kingpin Hamad Ndikumana, who needed a late fitness test for this match after spending days doing light training due to fatigue and influenza, says if Rwanda is to reach far and there must be no obstacle in their campaign, they must be tough on their opponent as they were in the last round. “We must win our home games at any cost and I am quite confident we can, I don’t see why we can’t,” Ndikumana, 30 said. The team’s leading marksman in these qualifiers, Said Abedi Makasi said, “We are ambassadors of all Rwandans, so we need to do what is best for the country.” Former APR defender Aboubakar Saddou said, “We are all here and this means that we are ready to represent the country. We’re ready to battle and win on Saturday.” This is a match the hosts cannot afford to lose or even draw considering that every point matters as team match towards football biggest stage; the World Cup. Ends
