Amavubi left back, Emmanuel Imanishimwe has expressed determination and excitement ahead of the two build-up matches that the team will be playing, saying the players are not taking them as mere friendly games.

Rwanda will face Madagascar and Botswana in friendly games on March 22 and March 25 respectively. The team flew out of the country on Monday, March 18 morning for the first match that will take place in Antananarivo, the Capital of Madagascar.

READ ALSO: Karekezi warns Amavubi despite bright start to WC qualifiers

The squad that travelled comprises 19 players since coach Spittler dropped 12 players from the initially summoned squad.

Imanishimwe who plies his trade in the Moroccan top-tier did not travel with Amavubi from Kigali but linked up with the team later on Tuesday afternoon and has since taken part in training sessions.

READ ALSO: Amavubi: Spittler drops 13 players as team travels to Madagascar

"Though the Botswana and Madagascar games are technically friendlies, for us the stakes are higher," he told Times Sport.

"After a strong start in the World Cup qualifiers, including victories against South Africa and a draw with Zimbabwe at home, we aim to demonstrate our true capabilities," he added.

In June, Rwanda will play against Benin and Lesotho as the 2026 WC qualifiers resume.

Imanishimwe noted that it has been while since the team played friendly matches, and believes they will enhance their chemistry, before June.

Rwanda leads Group C with 4 points, ahead of South Africa with 3. Nigeria, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Benin follow in the standings.