World Cup Qualifier: Rwanda, Kenya to play for bragging rights
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Amavubi striker Jacques Tuyisenge vies for the balll with a Harambe Stars defender at Kigali Stadium.

Amavubi will take on Harambee stars of Kenya on Monday, November 15 in a FIFA World Cup qualifying game at the Nyayo national stadium in Nairobi.

The two East African countries are effectively out of contention after Mali secured the sole ticket to the next stage of the qualifying campaign from Group E following their emphatic 3-0 win in Kigali last week.

Rwanda has faced Kenya sixteen times since their first clash on November 25, 1986 with the Amavubi winning four, drawing five and losing seven. The last encounter between the two nations was on September 5 this year which ended 1-1 in Kigali.

Kenyan football is in serious turmoil following the arrest and detention of the country's Football Association President Nick Mwendwa on Friday for alleged misappropriation of funds and it could have an adverse effect on the Harambee Stars in the match on Monday as some of the players are loyal to him.

On paper, it looks to be an even game but Kenya’s Turkish coach Engin Firat will be hoping to build on the 1-1 draw with neighbors Uganda in midweek which ended the Cranes’s world cup hopes.

Rwanda on the other hand will be hoping the likes of Ernest Sugira, Bertrand Iradukunda and others come to the party to get the country a face saving result.

Djihad Bizimana is suspended for the game after his red card against Mali and coach Vincent Mashami has to reshuffle his cards in order to contain the midfield.

Kenya will undoubtedly rely on Al Duhail striker Michael Olunga who is in the form of his life in the Qatar Stars League. He was unplayable against Uganda and capped a superb night with a brilliant goal.

The Rwandan defenders should be very wary of him if they are to leave Nairobi unscathed.

In all, it is going to be a classic and an exciting encounter with lots of action though there is nothing at stake in terms of qualification to the next phase of the competition as both nations have already exited.

The country which takes its chances and remains resolute at the back throughout the full 90 minutes will carry the day.