2012 Africa Nations Cup
October 9

Rwanda vs Benin
Burundi vs Ivory Coast
 
RWANDA’s senior football team - the Amavubi Stars will regroup on September 13 ahead of their must-win 2012 Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Benin on October 9 at Amahoro stadium.

The local football body’s CEO Jules Kalisa yesterday told Times Sport that arrangements have been made to ensure that all players are in camp next Monday.

"The Benin game is very important for us and we have to prepare adequately for it. We have to win to have a good chance of qualifying,” affirmed Kalisa.

Amavubi currently lie at the bottom of Group H following Saturday’s disappointing 3-0 defeat against Ivory Coast in Abidjan. Ivory Coast topped the group with three points while Benin and Burundi followed in second place with a point each after Saturday’s 1-all draw in Benin.

It was the worst possible start for the wasps, who appeared to be below par for most of the game.
Having started the game amid a lot of tension, the Elephants pounced on the opportunity when Manchester City’s recent signing Yaya Toure capitalized on indecisive defending from center-backs Didier Kapet and Boubakary Saddou to give the hosts the lead after just nine minutes.

Eight minutes later, Ivory Coast were back in celebrations after Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou made the pair (Saddou and Kapet) look like real amateurs when he beat them to a loose ball to slot in a second.
Arsenal’s Emmanuel Eboue completed the rout on the 38th minute after emerging from the midfield to score the third goal.

Rwanda is seeking a second appearance at Africa’s premier football tournament following their debut in 2004 in Tunisia.

Ends