AFCON 2023 (Q): Rwanda v Benin behind closed doors leaves a sour taste
Rwanda v Benin, a fixture that has raised eyebrows because it is being played outside a FIFA window. It will also be staged in Rwanda under a CAF dispensation
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This match, part of matchday 4 of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, is vital for both countries. For Meddie Kagere, captain of Rwanda's Amavubi, it is a matter of life and death. "We played our first three games abroad without supporters. It's becoming a habit for us. For this game against Benin, despite our fans not being in the stadium, we will play knowing that behind the stadium, in our respective neighbourhoods, there are people who love us and support us. We are more motivated than ever. Every player would like to start this game but unfortunately, only eleven will begin it"
Carlos Ferrer, the Amavubi coach, for his part believes they have the ability and the desire to beat Benin. The Spaniard says they have been put at a disadvantage by playing behind closed doors. "We will miss our fans for my first home game. I would have loved to play in front of these Rwandans who love football but it's a shame for them and for us. We will give everything to win this game. Fortunately, all the players are aware of how important this match is," said the upbeat Rwandan coach.
Closed doors seen as a punishment for Rwandans
Rwandan football fans told SNA they do not understand why they cannot support their players at home. "Watching my team on television when they are playing at home makes no sense. It reminds me of the covid-19 period. Despite all these poor conditions, we will be behind our team wherever we are. I'm sure we will win", said this Amavubi fan hopefully.
Rwandan press feel undervalued
Thirty journalists based in Rwanda have been accredited for this match. Some journalists see it as a lack of respect for the Rwandan sports press, which has more than 150 sports journalists. "It's not right that a match commissioner sets the number of journalists to be accredited. It's a closed-door game, so why limit us when Rwandans want to know what is happening on the pitch?", asked one of the Rwandan journalists, who struggled to hide his frustration.
A game of hope for Benin
Benin coach Gernot Rohr said at a pre-training press conference that this is a game they must win to have any hope of qualifying for the next AFCON. "CAF have penalised us heavily. Two key players, namely Sessi d'Almeida (Pau FC) and Jordan Adéoti (Laval FC), were not released by their clubs because we are playing outside the FIFA window. We have agreed with Brest, who are fighting to avoid relegation, that Steve Mounié will play 30 minutes at most. We will also be playing on an artificial pitch, which will not favour my players. All of this puts us at a disadvantage. It's a shame. But despite these poor conditions, we will give everything to win the three points. My players are professionals and I have confidence in them." Even so, Gernot Rhor acknowledged that they have been made very welcome in Kigali.
In Group L, Senegal have already qualified with 12 points out of 12. Mozambique are second with 4 points, Rwanda third with 2 points, while Benin are bottom of the group with just one point.
Désiré Hatungimana