WAFCON 2024 Qualifiers Rwanda Women Vs Ghana Women, Kickoff: Wednesday, 3PM at Kigali Pele Stadium Rwanda will be hoping to upset Ghana when the pair face off in the first leg of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers due on Wednesday, September 20 at Kigali Pele Stadium. Ghana is regarded among giants in African Women's football and Rwanda will be aiming to knock them out just like their brothers (men’s Amavubi) did two decades ago to qualify for the 2004 AFCON edition in Tunisia. Both teams have fantastic individuals and Times Sport takes a look at the key battles that could shape the mouthwatering encounter. Gloria Nibagwire vs Alice Kusi It will be a battle worth watching. Kusi, who plies her trade with Turkish side Fenerbahce, is a tenacious box to box midfielder with full energy while Rwanda skipper Nibagwire is a very skillful left-footed offensive midfielder who provides the arsenals for the attackers. The two players can decide the outcome of the game from the heart of midfield and it will be an intriguing battle to watch. Dorothee Mukeshimana vs Grace Asantewaa Another battle in midfield to look out for is Dorothee Mukeshimana going up against Grace Asantewaa. Mukeshimana is a tireless midfielder who drives Rwanda forward whereas Asantewaa is an plays offensively with an eye for goal while she can also dictate the pace of the game. ALSO READ: WAFCON: Qualifiers Nyinawumuntu names squad for Ghana clash Both players will be vital to the fortunes of their respective countries as they come face to face with each other in midfield. Zawadi Usanase vs Linda Eshun Zawadi is a strong forward who either plays as the main striker or behind Florence Imanizabayo in a two top. She will be up against Linda Eshun who pairs Janet Egyir in the heart of the Ghana defense. ALSO READ: WAFCON 2024: Ghana names squad for rwanda qualifier, what you should know Zawadi showed her efficiency upfront during Rwanda’s 3-3 draw with Uganda when she netted a late equalizer. She could become a nightmare for Eshun as she hopes to get the job done for Rwanda in Kigali. Florence Imanizabayo vs Janet Egyir Kampala Queens forward Imanizabayo will come up against Janet Egyir, an experienced centre back who features for Hapoel Kantamon Jerusalem in Israel. Both Egyir and Imanizabayo are of the same height (5 Feet 4 inches/1.62m). Due to their diminutive nature, it is literally going to be a battle on the ground. With the ball at her feet, Imanizabayo is very skillful and has great pace which is difficult to defend. Meanwhile, Egyir, who previously captained Hasaacas Ladies is also very aggressive. He defends gallantly and can start Ghana's attack from the back. One of them has to shut the other down before operating. Aline Ndakimana vs Princella Adubea If Rwanda doesn't improve at the back, it could be a battle between goalkeeper Aline Ndakimana and Black Queens striker Princella Adubea. Ndakimana has been Rwanda's best player in their previous two games against Uganda as she pulled close to 20 saves during the two-legged tie which ended 4-3 on aggregate in favor of Uganda. Ghana's attack led by Adubea is very potent and the Rwandan defense should make sure they up their game to avoid leaving shot stopper Ndakimana under siege.
