Kigali: Rwanda’s Amavubi team head to Ethiopia today ahead of Sunday’s first leg of the final round of the 2020 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) Central-East qualifiers.
Coach Vincent Mashami’s side heads to Ethiopia in a confident mood following a 3-2 win over DR Congo in a friendly match played last night at Stade de Martyrs in Kinshasa.
Rwanda came from a goal down to win the encounter with Manzi Thierry, Sugira Ernest and Nsabimana Eric scoring crucial goals for Amavubi while Ava Dongo and Beya Joel were on target for the Leopards.
The game served as preparation for both sides as they geared up for their respective 2020 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) final round qualifiers.
After last night’s game, Amavubi departs Kinshasa for Addis Ababa this afternoon. They will spend a night in Addis Ababa before connecting to Mekelle in the morning.
Rwanda’s first leg tie against Ethiopia is due on Sunday at Mekelle Stadium at 16:00, with the reverse-leg scheduled for October 18 at Kigali Stadium.
CAF has appointed Kenyan quartet to handle the first leg tie. Anthony Ogwayo will be the center referee and will be assisted by Gilbert Kipkoech Cheruiyot and Tony Kidiya.
The reserve referee is Ogenche Omweno while Amir Osman Mohamed Hamid from Sudan is the match commissioner.
The winner of the two-legged tie will automatically secure their spot at the 2020 CHAN finals, one of the three tickets allocated to the Cecafa region in the continent’s second biggest football tournament.
Rwanda looks to make their fourth appearance in the CHAN tournament, which is only reserved for players who feature in their respective domestic leagues. (End)