Friendly match

July 27

Gabon vs Rwanda 

August 2

Rwanda vs Congo 

AMAVUBI STARS skipper Haruna Niyonzima is upbeat ahead of the return leg against Congo Brazzaville though he was left disappointed after his side lost 2-0 in the first leg of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Pointe-Noire on Sunday. 

The return leg is scheduled for August 2 in Kigali. Two second half goals put in doubt Rwanda’s dream of progressing to the group stage unless they pull off a remarkable comeback and win 3-0 at Kigali Regional Stadium. 

Stephen Constantine’s team is currently in Gabon where they are scheduled to play a warm-up game against the home team on Sunday.

However, Niyonzima who has returned to his club Yanga in Tanzania after the game in Congo believes Amavubi can put on an impressive performance to beat the Red Devils at home. 

"The battle is not yet over … we’re still in with the chance back home. We did all we could but it was not our day because all the possible attempts were not successful,” he said.

The former APR and Rayon Sports playmaker added, "All matches are not the same. Just like they scored two goals, we can also score three at home, but it will all depend on how we prepare for the return leg.” 

"But I’m optimistic we will score goals in Kigali. I have talked to all team mates and we are all disappointed and this is why we are determined to overturn the first leg deficit.” 

Haruna defended his team mates, who were criticised after giving away two goals late in the second half. 

"We work as a unit. We can’t put the blame on one person. We win and lose as a team. We all did our utmost though it was not enough,” said Haruna. 

Amavubi will play the return leg without injured goal keeper Jean Claude Ndoli who suffered a knee injury on Sunday. 

The overall winners of this round will have to battle with South Africa, Nigeria and Sudan for one of the two qualifying spots in Group A.