Uganda’s Crested Cranes welcome Rwanda in the first leg clash of the Paris 2024 Games qualifiers slated for Wednesday, July 12, at Kigali Pele Stadium.
The last time both sides met was in June 2022, when Uganda defeated Rwanda 2-0 in the group stages of the 2022 CECAFA Women’s Championships held in Njeru, a tournament which Uganda went on to win after beating Burundi 3-1 in the final.
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Rwanda will play the first and second leg of the qualifier in Kigali after following Uganda’s lack of certified home grounds within the country to host their first leg match.
Times Sport takes a look at five players who can decide Wednesday’s clash.
Alodie Kayitesi (AS Kigali WFC)
The 23-year-old AS Kigali WFC midfielder is regarded as one of key figures in Nyinawumuntu’s side who can dictate the game in midfield and supply passed that can cause major danger to the opponent’s defense.
Her impressive season had an incredible impact to AS Kigali’s league and Peace Cup double.
Kayitesi, who received her first national team call up in 2016, was not part of the she-Amavubi side that participated in 2022 CECAFA Championships but she is now one of Rwanda key players whose work rate can influence Rwandan result in Wednesday’s clash.
Strikers Riberathe Nibagwire and Frolence Imanizabayo will be relying on her long passes and quick through ball passes to be able to score.
Fauzia Najjemba (ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Russia)
Najjemba plies her trade at ZFK Dynamo Moscow striker, a women's topflight team of Russian Premier League club FC Dynamo Moscow.
The 23-year-old joined the Russian side in January after an impressive debut 2021-22 season with Kazakhstan side Biik Shymkent. During her one-year spell, she helped the team to win domestic double, scoring 15 goals and 9 assists.
Najjemba’s performance at club level saw her nominated for CAF Awards in the category of young African women player of the year.
The free-scoring winger will one to watch and Rwandan defense will have to cope with her attacking threats at all costs.
Gloria Sifa Nibagwire (AS Kigali WFC)
Nyinawumuntu will be relying on the services the defender who she hopes will bring stability in the Rwandan defense.
From winning domestic trophies to participating in African women club football competitions, Nibagwire has won it all at club level with AS Kigali and she will have to shifts he experience to the national team ahead of Uganda clash.
The Rwanda skipper is also known for popping up to long range shoots. Don’t be surprised if one moment of brilliance from the captain settles the game.
Joan Anita Nabirye (FC Minsk, Belarus)
Nabirye, 23, plays as a midfielder for Belarusian Premier League club FC Minsk and she has been in electric form since joining the club in April on a two-year deal.
She is of one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders in the region and Rwanda defense have to keep a close eye on her clever passes and offensive threats, otherwise she will make the back four suffer.
Frolence Imanizabayo (Rayon Sports WFC)
With 60 goals and 20 assists to her name in just 26 matches, the Rayon Sports striker will be among players to watch in Wednesday’s encounter.
She could start on the bench with striker Riberathe Nibagwire likely to start upfront but the centre forward’s ability to destabilize the opponent’s defense and fine dribbles can undoubtedly produce a decisive moment for Rwanda.
A big occasion for her to shine after a successful women's second division league campaign with Rayon Sports.