Amavubi take on Kenya in Commemoration Cup opener

Today, 3:30pm Rwanda vs Kenya, Amahoro Stadium Rwanda national football team will face Kenya in the opening game of the inaugural edition of the Genocide Commemoration Cup this afternoon at Amahoro Stadium. The development follows the delayed arrival of their scheduled opponents South Sudan and Tanzania who were supposed to play Kenya in the first game today, but didn’t turn up yesterday as planned. But the two countries have since confirmed that they will arrive today and will face Kenya and Rwanda respectively. Rwanda head coach Johnny McKinstry said, “Kenya will be a difficult opponent, because they are more developed as a footballing nation and they have a few players playing at higher level but it will be a good challenge for us and we are looking forward to it.” McKinstry who conducted two training sessions, yesterday in the morning and afternoon said he is impressed with the level at which the players are and most importantly, today’s game will be a platform to analyze the options available ahead of the first game of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Mozambique on the weekend of June 13-14 in Maputo. The Irish tactician revealed that he will field two different teams in today’s game encounter and a new-look side in tomorrow’s game against Tanzania. He said that, “The two teams will be balanced teams and do not in any way show preference.” He further added that, “For these games, we are more focussed on ourselves because they are not competitive games in that sense. It is a commemoration kind of tournament and it is all part of our preparation for our Mozambique game in AFCON qualifiers so we are focused on ourselves and what we can do.” Amavubi will have to contain Southampton’s Victor Wanyama who has been included in the 14-man Harambee Stars lineup for today’s game. Kenya’s head coach Bobby Williamson told Time Sport that we are ready for this game [against Rwanda]. Meanwhile, APR wingback Patrick Sibomana has joined camp following his full recovery from a knee injury after leading the army side to a 3-0 win over second division side La Jeunesse on Thursday at Kicukiro Stadium.

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Amavubi take on Kenya in Commemoration Cup opener