Amavubi head coach Frank Torsten Spittler has praised his players for playing with character after holding Libya to a 1-1 draw Libya in Group D opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON ) qualifiers on Wednesday, September 4. Rwanda was down 1-0 in the 16th minute before striker Innocent Nshuti came to the rescue with a 47th minute equalizer to silence the Libyan crowd inside the June 11 Stadium and earn a point for the visitors. Spittler admitted that his side went through a difficult situation prior to the match but his players put their frustration aside and showed relentless fighting spirit to snatch a draw in Tripoli. I think, as we expected, the match was difficult. It was tough because getting out of the airport, getting training pitch before the game was a problem. Some of the players arrived late and they were tired already, Spittler told the press in a post-match interview. Reacting on the result, the German tactician said, We gave away some chances and, through some unnecessary lost balls from the defense, we gifted them a goal. The crowd were behind them but we fought back and equalized. From then, the game was open. We did quite well, we played good football. Spittler pulled out winger Jojea Kwizera for Samuel Gueulette in the 40th minute in what seemed to be a risky decision. He, however, said that the substitution was necessary as the Rhode Island FC midfielder looked exhausted due to fatigue. Jojea came from afar, he had only one training session with us. I knew it would be difficult for him because of the conditions but he tried. He is a good player and, as he can now spend few days of training preparing for Nigeria, he will be essential for us, he added. Spittler further mentioned that Amavubi are on the right path although he is growing concerned about his team's persistent struggles in front of goal. We always score one goal and it brings us pressure throughout the 90 minutes. Our team is, however, taking shape and we can get better. We know our next game against Nigeria won't be easy but we hope to make the best out of our home advantage. Now every point counts and this draw with Libya brings us more confidence. Rwanda will host the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on September 10.
