The national football team will be hoping to get a face saving result on Thursday when they host Mali at the Kigali stadium in Nyamirambo in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The Amavubi are already out of the qualifiers as they have just two points from a possible twelve but they will be looking forward to giving their teeming fans a present by spoiling the party of Mali who are top of the Group.
Rwanda coach Vincent Mashami is without majority of his regular charges as he did not call the likes of Meddie Kagere, in form Abdul Rwatubyaye, and Jacques Tuyisenge but is hopeful those at his disposal can do the job on Thursday.
Mali on the other hand will be missing Brighton & Hove Albion star Yves Bissouma who is currently in police custody after assaulting someone in a night club as well as Lassana Coulibaly (Salernitana) and Massadio Haïdara (Lens) who both just returned from injury.
The first game between the two countries in Algeria ended 1-0 in favor of Mali though Rwanda were outstanding on the day and Thursday’s encounter promises to be another epic one.
Mali coach Mohamed Magassouba will rely on the speed and artistry of Southampton winger Moussa Djenepo with Ibrahima Kone of Norwegian outfit Sarpsborg leading the attack.
The Amabubi will count on Ernest Sugira who on a good day can decide the game through his own brilliancy.
The game also gives both coaches the chance to sell quality football to the world and to also prove that they can do it when given the chance.
In any case, the Amavubi will not like to lose twice at home after being piped by Uganda in their last game at the Kigali stadium and they will be determined to go all out for a good result.
The team which stays resolute at the back and are able to utilize the chances which come their way will carry the day.
Meanwhile, Spain-based Rwandan defender Jean Philippe Rutabayiro who received his maiden call-up to the senior national football team has joined camp.
Rutabayiro plays for Spain-based Sociedad Deportiva Lenense in the Spanish third division. The 27-year-old was named to the Under-17 national team in 2014, during which time he was training at Police FC.