McKinstry rallies Amavubi fans ahead of Mozambique qualifier

Rwanda head coach Johnny McKinstry has sounded a rallying call to Amavubi supporters to come out strongly and cheer their team on during their crucial AFCON 2017 qualifier clash against Mozambique at Amahoro National Stadium on Saturday. The Wasps will be up against the Os Mambas in their second-last Group H qualifier, seeking a double against the Southern Africans having snatched all three points in the corresponding fixture in June last year in Maputo, thanks to Ernest Sugira. Mozambique, who sit at the bottom of the group with only one point, are expected in Kigali today (Thursday) and will hold three training sessions before taking on McKinstry’s side who suffered a 2-0 defeat against Senegal last Saturday in a FIFA friendly match. In a telephone interview with Times Sport on Wednesday, McKinstry said the team is doing well in residential camp and preparations were quiet promising before calling for a strong home support for the crucial game. “The game against Mozambique is a must-win; anything less would seriously hurt our campaign. The mood in the dressing room is amazing; the players are fit and ready for the game. Home advantage is important, fans should turn up in large numbers to back up the boys,” the Irish-born tactician said. Mozambique are already out of the race for qualification, having lost three games and drawn the other. But, according to reports from Maputo, head coach Abel Xavier has put together a strong side with the view to win the tie in Kigali. A win against Mauritius will see leaders Ghana qualify for AFCON 2017 finals to be held in Gabon, which would leave McKinstry’s Amavubi in the race to qualify as best runners-up should they beat Mozambique, before heading to Accra to face the Black Stars. Going into the fifth match-day of the quialification campaign, Ghana top the table with 10 points, Rwanda are second with 6 points, Mauritius third with 6 points, while Mozambique are bottom with one point. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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McKinstry rallies Amavubi fans ahead of Mozambique qualifier