The soccer ghosts of 2004 are resurrecting

After defeating Morocco 3-1 over the weekend, Amavubi Stars have a real chance of making it to the next phase for qualification to the 2010 Africa, World Cup finals due in Angola and South Africa respectively. Amavubi Stars captain Olivier Karekezi said that nothing would deter them from their mission to qualify for the 2010 finals. Rwanda’s rating on the Fifa ranking ensured that it avoided the burden of playing a lowly side on home and away basis in round one. Rwanda is drawn against North African giants Morocco as well as Ethiopia and Mauritania in Group Eight of the qualifiers, which kick off next year. Tucak Blanko has passed his first major test and the next is on Sunday when he takes his troops to Morocco; but apart from the North African side, Ethiopia are familiar opponents, having played several clashes in the Cecafa challenge cup matches. And Rwanda did the necessary when it won away in Addis Ababa, putting the Stars in a favorable position come the return leg. Mauritania shouldn’t be considered a serious worry for Rwanda in the return leg after a 3-0 walloping in Kigali. To turn this dream into a reality, a mixture better preparation and motivation must be at hand since they have proved to reap results recently, and this winning combination should be continued. Amavubi will most certainly have to continue playing the way they have played so far to finish as a group winner or one of eight best runners-up to advance to round three. To successfully reach Angola 2010 and South Africa 2010, Rwanda would have to play a minimum of 12 games. Six matches apiece would be played in round two and three respectively. With nine points already in the bag, everything is pointing to Angola. Though Morocco is the group’s favourite, discipline and organization under Tucak Blanko should present a different challenge to the North Africans come the return leg. Taking a leaf from last year’s Africa’s World Cup representatives Togo and Angola, Rwanda should continue playing with gusto and skill. Ends

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The soccer ghosts of 2004 are resurrecting