10 things Rwanda must get right to beat Mali

AS THE CLOCK ticks to the eagerly awaited 2014 World Cup qualifier between Rwanda and Mali on Sunday at Amahoro national stadium, Sunday Sport takes a look at the 10 things Amavubi must get right to beat the Eagles.1. Keep their shapeThis phrase might sound a little bit clichéd but it has been noticeable that when Amavubi have done well in the past matches, the side have clearly had their shape, particularly in a defensive sense, when the opposition have the ball. For 90 minutes against Libya, despite the 0-1 loss, there was a clear difference in the way the team was set up and once you have your shape defensively, it becomes a bit easier to spring forward.2. Use the home support as an inspirationThere is magic about Kigali, a feverish atmosphere again likely at Amahoro stadium this afternoon, hoping to sing ‘Amavubi tsinda we batsinde’ to glory. It cannot be understated how much home advantage can play a role in a side overcoming the odds in this instance, the 24th best side in Africa playing the third best.Amavubi looked a nervous wreck in the second group H qualifier against Benin last year at Amahoro stadium but they were visibly pumped by the supreme support that helped them earn a late draw against the Squirrels. Hopefully the fans and the players will be dancing tonight.3. Defend set-pieces wellThe height and physical strength of Mali’s players has been much-discussed in the lead-up to this game and nowhere are they likely to be more of a threat than from set-pieces. Amavubi will have to match them physically from corners and free-kicks, while Jean Claude Iranzi [left] will have to be very careful about when he chooses to come off his line. 4. Defend much better from open playTwo times in the last game, a Libya player found himself clear of Amavubi defence. Amavubi’s back-four need to be far more solid than they were on Wednesday, though to be fair, if it hadn’t been for the sake of trying all the payers, the team that started, did play fairly well against Libya.5. Stop Mali’s powerhouse midfieldIn Seydou Keita, Mohamed Sissoko, Abdulwahid Sissoko and Bakaye Traore, Mali have a midfield to make any side in Africa shiver with fear. Even at 33, Keita remains a world class player and the Sissoko brothers assisting him in the midfield, Amavubi need to be at their best to stop them. Traore has yet to truly shine but is a particular threat with his late runs into the penalty area. Coach Micho might yet decide to play Mbuyu Twite deep in the midfield for some extra physical presence to counter the Malian threat.6. Keep the ball on the groundMicho is well aware that Amavubi’s best way through the Malian midfield and defense is to keep the ball on the ground. If they lump it through the air like they did against Libya, they are likely to be on a hiding. But if they can go at pace along the grass, using quick feet of Meddie Kagere, Haruna Niyonzima, Olivier Karekezi and Elias Uzamukunda, they might just trouble Mali.7. Get at Mali’s fullbacksIn a congested midfield area, width is also likely to be key for Amavubi this afternoon. Kagere has provided the plenty of that down the right and a more attacking Haruna can also help him out in getting at Mali left back Adama Tamboura. Without a true winger on the left, Amavubi could move also Kagere to the left to have a go at Mali’s slightly slower right-back Fousseyni Diawara.8. Test Mali’s goal keeperWith their No.1 goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa injured, Soumaila Diakite of Stade Malien will be making his second appearance for Mali. Diakite is actually the most experienced goalkeeper in the Mali squad, but is bound to have some nerves at Amahoro stadium. Amavubi would do well to test him with some early efforts just to see if the jitters get the better of the new man.9. Encourage Buteera to get forwardWhile Andrew Buteera’s role is clearly to keep out the Mali attack, the fact that his confidence must be sky-high in and around the opposition penalty area. As sensibly as possible, Buteera has to be encouraged to keep getting himself into opposition’s final third to provide assistance to the likes of Karekezi and Uzamukunda.10. Find the best way to use BiroriDady Birori is Amavubi’s ace in the pack of at today’s crucial game. His movement with and off the ball noticeably is more astute than many of his Amavubi players. There is no doubt that a fully fit Birori should start against Mali but Micho must decide if he would rather use his player, as he has been doing, when opposition defenders are starting to tire. The stage is set for a man like Birori to really make his mark in this game. Probably this could be his day.Good luck Amavubi!