Haruna okay with omission

September 3Rwanda vs Ivory CoastBurundi vs Benin AMAVUBI captain Haruna Niyonzima remains bullish on the team’s chances of playing in next year’s Africa Nations’ Cup in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The 22-year-old was an unused substitute in Sunday’s humiliating 3-1 defeat against Burundi which left Rwanda bottom of Group H. However, he insists that the wasps can still sneak through if they win their final qualifiers against West African giants Ivory Coast and Benin.It was the first time Niyonzima had not started in Sellas Tetteh’s reign but the APR winger respects the Ghanaian’s decision. “The coach did what he thought was best for the team and I have no problem with it,” the player said. “We are very disappointed with Sunday’s result but we still have a slim chance of qualifying so we need to stay focused.” Saidi Seleman, Saido Ntibazonkiza and Didier Kavumbagu were on target for Burundi while Bokota Labama, who also started from the bench netted Rwanda’s consolation. With Ivory Coast already through to the finals following a commanding 6-2 win against Benin, Rwanda need to win their remaining games convincingly to stand a chance of claiming one of two slots reserved for the best finishers. The elephants top Group H with 12 points. Burundi and Benin tie on four points but the former enjoy a superior goal difference. Rwanda lie at the bottom with three points. On September 3, Rwanda host Ivory Coast before facing Benin in October. Ends

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Haruna okay with omission