Group C

Friday, October 10

Rwanda Vs Benin, at Amahoro Stadium, Kigali

Kickoff: 5:00pm

Amavubi head coach Adel Amrouche has said with confidence that his side will fight till the last minute to get three crucial points in their last home World Cup 2026 qualifier against familiar foes Benin at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, October 10.

Rwanda sit fourth in Group C with 11 points, three points behind Benin currently lead the standings with 14 points, followed closely by South Africa, who also have 14 points. The two countries are separated at the top by goal difference.

Amrouche knows that only a victory against Gernot Rohr’s Cheetahs at home will allow Rwanda to stay in contention before turning their focus to a tough away game against South Africa on October 14.

"We have what it takes, and we work with what we have. The team has a strong fighting spirit. We’ve lost some players, but I am confident in my squad,” Amrouche said in a pre-match press conference on Thursday.

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Historically, Rwanda and Benin have met 10 times, with Benin winning five encounters against Rwanda’s two while three matches ended in draws. The head-to-head record gives Gernot Rohr’s Cheetahs a slight advantage ahead of Friday’s crunch tie, but Amrouche’s men remain determined to defy the odds.

For skipper Djihad Bizimana, the team has what it takes to deliver with the support of the home crowd.

"We know it’s possible. Tomorrow’s game will be our last at home, and we know Benin well. I can say that, on our side, we’re ready,” Bizimana said.

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Amavubi will be without Sabah winger Joy-Lance Mickels, who is sidelined due to injury. Amrouche called up Mairnes striker Thaiba Mbonyumwami who joined the rest of the team on Wednesday as his replacement.

On the other side, Benin could also miss the services of their four key players including Olaitan Junior, Andreas Hountondji, Abdoul Rachid Moumini, and Rodolfo Aloko — who are all doubtful for the fixture.