Amavubi, on Friday, March 22, played its first friendly game in 2024 against Botswana as part of preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The match took place at Barea Stadium in Antananarivo, Madagascar. It ended in a 0-0 draw. Despite the result, Amavubi showcased a good performance that gives confidence for a continued resurgence of the team. Here are a couple of things that we learned from the match. The team is getting better offensively Under German coach Torsten Spittler, Amavubi displayed a noticeable improvement in offensive play. This was Amavubi's third game under Spittler but one can notice that there has been fair transformation in the team. Previously, Amavubi seemed to be more defence-minded during the tenures of Vincent Mashami and Carlos Alos Ferrer. Against Botswana, Amavubi pinned the Zebras into their own half. Around 60 percent of the game was played in the opponent’s half. Gilbert Mugisha is a big asset Despite being often benched by his club APR FC, Mugisha showcased that he is a key component of Amavubi as he put up yet another fantastic display on the left wing. The diminutive attacker can be very vital for Rwanda’s World Cup qualifiers’ campaign, but he should get more game time at club level so that he will be on top of his game in terms of fitness and rhythm. The telepathy between Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi The understanding between Amavubi's centre back duo of Thierry Manzi and Ange Mutsinzi has taken shape. The pair is part of the reason why Amavubi is yet to concede a goal in three games. They partner well and support each other. It is a delight to watch the two men defend and if they continue with such performances, they can play a major role in the World Cup qualifiers campaign. Imanishimwe on top of his game The Morocco-based left-back has shown why he plays for one of the biggest teams on the African continent (AS FAR Rabat). He was solid defensively and offensively against Botswana at the Barea Stadium in Antananarivo. He made a superb sliding tackle to prevent Botswana from getting the opener and his attacking play on the left flank was also great. He is currently doing big things even against great offensive players like South Africa’s Percy Tau. As Amavubi continues to fight for qualification, Imanishimwe’s offensive and defensive qualities can be something to build on. Strikers should be clinical Amavubi should have won the game by at least two goals if the attackers had been clinical. Innocent Nshuti missed a glorious chance in the first half whereas Arthur Gitego missed a seater just moment after coming on and stealing a ball from Alford Velaphi. Arthur Gitego's hold up play is great whereas Nshuti's positioning and awareness is top notch. Spittler should just build their confidence so that they remain calm especially when they are in the opponent's penalty box.
