The African football governing body (CAF) has granted Uganda the green light to host their Paris 2024 women’s Olympics qualifier first leg match against Rwanda at Kigali Pele Stadium on July 12.
READ ALSO: Paris 2024 Games: Nyinawumuntu summons She-Amavubi squad to face Uganda
Uganda’s decision to play their home game against Rwanda in Kigali came as a result of lack of certified grounds within the country, leading the selection of Rwanda the venue for the match.
Reports from Uganda suggest that Ugandan FA received confirmation from Rwanda’s football governing body (FERWAFA) about the availability of the venue.
Uganda had no other choice but to host their home game out of the country with their two top stadiums Mandela Stadium and St Mary’s Kitende currently undergoing major upgrade to meet CAF’s stadium standard.
Boost for Rwanda
The development was welcomed by She-Amavubi coach Grace Nyinawumuntu who told Weekend Sport her team will be motivated to play both legs on home soil.
"It’s really an advantage for us to play on our home ground and in front of our fans on both ties, we hope that this is going to be an extra motivation and another reason for us to make Rwandans proud,” said Nyinawumuntu.
The former AS Kigali WFC boss, however, insists that a home advantage wouldn’t add much value to her team’s performance unless Rwandans show up at the stadium to support the women.
"Of course playing at home is an advantage but that only works when you have supporters behind you.
We really need the Rwandans' presence at the stadium in big numbers,” she said.
"The only support we want from Rwandans is their attendance which I believe will have a positive impact on the performance of our players,” she added.
Following the new development, Uganda will welcome Rwanda at Kigali Pele Stadium on July 12 before the pair go head to head for the second leg at the same venue on July 18.
The winner of the qualifier between Rwanda and Uganda will face Cameroon in the next round.
The next Olympic Games will take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024 where Rwanda's She-Amavubi will be looking to represent Africa in the women’s football competition for the first time ever in the country’s history.