The Rwandan national U-23 team will play as guests against Libya in the first leg of the preliminary round of the 2023 U23 AFCON on Thursday.

Both countries are hoping to make it to the next stage of the qualifiers and will be hoping to go all out in the first leg in order to make the second leg a mere formality.

The two countries have talented individual players who can determine the outcome of the game and Times Sport takes a look at five players that people should look out for in the encounter.

Anicet Ishimwe

One of the best young players in the Rwandan league, Ishimwe who plies his trade with champions APR FC is a quality offensive player who has always delivered when he gets the chance.

Despite not being regular for APR due to the array of players they have, no one has ever questioned his quality as he lives up to expectations when he features.

Ishimwe is expected to be a key player in the Amavubi U-23 team as they aim to qualify for the tournament in Algeria.

Fadel Ali Salama

The talented defender is already a full Libyan international at the age of 20 having already made four senior national team appearances scoring one goal.

Salama plays for Ahli Benghazi and has been one of the most sought after young players in the Libyan League since last season.

Despite being a centre-back, he can also operate as right-back and in defensive midfield.

Pierre Ishimwe

The APR shot stopper is just 20 years but has enormous experience which includes being the first choice goalkeeper for his club both in the league and their Africa campaign.

Ishimwe has good reflexes and is full of confidence when he is in between the sticks.

He has seen it all, having recently been in goal in the two legs for his club when they got eliminated from the CAF Champions League by US Monastir.

Ishimwe will be aiming to go all out this time against another North African opponent for his country.

Nouradin Elgelaib

He plays as a central midfielder for Al Ahli Tripoli and is well noted for his dynamism which includes being able to pass, shoot, shield the back four and also score goals.

Elgelaib on any given day is a tough customer for any player to face in midfield and just one moment of brilliance from him can decide the outcome of the match.

The 21-year-old box to box midfielder is one of the players who has been tipped in Libyan football to reach greater heights.

Moise Nyarugabo

The AS Kigali forward will definitely lead the attack of the Rwanda U-23 team because of his technical abilities and experience.

Nyarugabo has already tasted CAF Confederation Club action with his club as he replaced Jacques Tuyisenge in the 60th minute when his side drew goalless with ASAS Djibouti.

The youngster is very versatile as he can play anywhere upfront because of his immense qualities which includes footwork, pace and eye for goal.

He can be the main man to help the Rwanda U23 in Libya.