Former captain Olivier Karekezi has tipped Amavubi Stars to get a good result against Ghana when they clash in the top of the table 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group H qualifier on Saturday at Amahoro stadium. Olivier Karekezi. Karekezi, now 32, was part of Amavubi side that beat Ghana 1-0 at the same venue to qualify for the 2004 AFCON finals tournament in Tunisia and believes the current team has potential to pull off another upset against the Black Stars 12 years later. However, after missing the 2004 finals, the Black Stars have not failed to qualify for a single tournament ever since—they reached this year’s final in Equatorial Guinea only to lose to Ivory Coast, while Rwanda is looking for a second appearance in the Nations Cup finals. Speaking to Times Sport by telephone from Sweden on Wednesday, Karekezi said, “We have good players who can make a difference against any team and, personally, I believe the national team will get a good result against Ghana.” Asked to compare the current Amavubi team and the one that qualified for the 2004 AFCON, the former APR forward said, “It’s quite hard to compare the two teams because they are totally different in many aspects. Nonetheless, this team have a chance if they give their best and follow the coach’s instructions.” Karekezi, who made his international debut in 2000 and went on to become the country’s record goal scorer with 25 goals in 55 appearances, added that, “In football, we rely more on preparations and if they have prepared well physically and mentally, they will get a good result.” “Ghana are very strong and will come into the game on Saturday as favourites but Amavubi players don’t need to be afraid of anything, they just need to go on to the pitch determined and believing in themselves.” Karekezi retired from international football in August 2013 after 13 years with the national team, and says he has faith in the current team, “I believe players like Haruna Niyonzima (captain), Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, Jean Claude Iranzi and Ernest Sugira can cause Ghana problems.” Group H leaders Ghana are expected in Rwanda this morning ahead of the Saturday clash. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
