AFCON 2023 (Q): Rwanda keep hopes alive

Rwanda's national team will take on Mozambique in Huye, in the south of Rwanda, 120 km from the capital Kigali. This fifth game for the Amavubi is the first that Carlos Ferrer's players will play in front of their own fans. The Rwandan public in general, and the people of Huye in particular, are eagerly awaiting this fixture. "It's a source of pride to back our team. It's been a really long time. They are most welcome here at home. We will support them until we win", said an Amavubi fan living in Huye. The Rwandans are 4th in Group L with a meagre 2 points, while Mozambique are 3rd with 4 points and could move above Benin, 2nd with 5 points. A defeat would eliminate the Amavubi.

Players and coach confident

Senior figures in the Rwanda national team told SNA they are confident going into this hugely important game for their careers. "This is a life-or-death game. We have to win it at all costs. If we win, qualification will still be possible, but if we lose we're dead. That's why we will put everything on the line to achieve our goal of winning", said Djihad Bizimana

Manzi Thierry also believes in a win. "The fans we've been waiting for since the first game will finally be there and we have no right to let them down. We've badly missed the 12th man. I think this is the right moment to take three points."

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The Spanish coach of the Rwandan national team, Carlos Alos Ferrer, is also utterly convinced of a win against Mozambique. "We have players who train with real motivation. I have plenty of players, which makes my job easier. At the moment, only two players are absent (Muhire Kévin suspended and Rafael York injured). I have several young players who can replace them. Good players who are the future of Rwanda."

A hugely anticipated game in Huye

Rwandans will be following this game against Mozambique closely. But Amvubi supporters see this fixture, which they are eagerly awaiting, differently. Some told SNA they no longer have faith in this team. They no longer believe in qualification. Others, by contrast, hope to beat Mozambique to get back into the race. "We have a team capable of beating Mozambique. They are a beatable side without many professionals. We drew in the away leg, so why not beat them here at home? Let's stand united behind our team and the win will come, I swear to you", said a Rwandan fan.

But caution is needed, and they must not be lulled by this enthusiasm, because the Mambas are dangerous opponents. This Mozambique side are not coming to Rwanda as tourists. "We are going to play a very good Rwanda team, but we have prepared accordingly. We are coming to Rwanda to win three points. The journey was long, but I hope my players will recover before this game, which matters a great deal for our qualification. The last qualifying game, against Benin, will be played at home, which is a good thing. Our objective, I can't hide it, is to qualify for the next AFCON", said Chiquinho Conde, coach of the Mambas.

Désiré Hatungimana