Match: Rwanda v Ghana
Venue: Amahoro Stadium, Kigali
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2015

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In 2003, a Jimmy Gatete strike at the Amahoro Stadium against Ghana dented the Black Stars’ chances of making it to the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

Rwanda qualified at the expense of Ghana, making it their first and only AFCON appearance up to date.

The defeat against the minnows still remains a scar for Ghanaians. They know the Stars' absence from the 2004 Afcon still remains the only AFCON Ghana has missed in the 21st century.

Rwanda v Ghana 2003 was the game which saw the end of Germany’s Bukhard Ziese’s reign as head coach for the Black Stars.

Twelve years on, the two teams are set to lock horns once again for another AFCON slot. A lot has happened since the two teams met with Ghana on the rise and Rwanda arguably on the same level as all those years ago.

Ghana has made three World Cup appearances and made it to the grand finale of two AFCONs while Rwanda are still struggling to make an impact on the continent.

The Amavubi’ have chopped and changed coaches, including acquiring the services of Ghanaian Sellas Tetteh at a point, to improve their fortunes all to no avail.

On Saturday, Ghana start as favourites coming on the back of a 7-1 thumping of Mauritius in Accra. The Rwandans, however, will not go down easy as they also come into this game buoyed by their 1-0 win over Mozambique in Maputo courtesy Ernest Sugira’s strike.

Both Rwanda and Ghana fine-tuned their preparations for this game with wins over Ethiopia and Congo Brazzaville respectively
John McKinstry’s side have been in camp for about a fortnight as they plot Ghana’s downfall whereas Ghana have had barely five days to train for this tie.

The 30-year old trainer is however skeptical about the state of the pitch in Kigali when the two teams lock horns. 

“The pitch is in a bad state. It is the worst state since I came here” When I first came to Kigali, more than five months ago, the pitch was really good. It was in a very good condition when I first came.” 

He further believed his side can be punished against a Ghana side who have bags of experience heading into this game

“Will Ghana be as forgiving? If we concede possession to Ghana 50 times in the game because controlling the ball is a little bit more difficult on a hard and bumpy surface, Ghana can punish us.”

Stars coach Avram Grant is preaching caution ahead of this game as he looks desperate to avoid the happenings of twelve years ago. 

“Rwanda is a very good side and very tricky. They have very good players so we have to be careful. They went and got three points in Mozambique so we have to give our best on Saturday,” Grant said. 

“I think it will be a tough match but we have to play good football so that we get a good result. What we have to do is to stay focused and concentrate on Saturday’s match.” 

TEAM NEWS GHANA:

Asamoah Gyan remains a major doubt after  missing training with an injury. Swansea forward Dede Ayew is expected to play his first competitive game for the Black Stars since their AFCON loss in February after missing the Mauritius game through injury.

He and Bournemouth based Christian Atsu are expected to provide width in the midfield which will also comprise of Afriyie Acquah and new Las Palmas signing Mubarak Wakaso.

The back four and keeper are likely to remain unchanged with Afful, Rahman, Jonathan Mensah and John Boye all expected in.

The major change may be upfront depending on Grant’s tactics and Gyan’s availability.

Should Gyan be absent, Bernard Mensah or Richard Boakye Yiadom will be expected to partner Jordan Ayew up top. Mensah’s inclusion will mean a lone striking role for Jordan with Mensah dropping behind or Boakye Yiadom’s inclusion will mean a two-pronged attack.

TEAM NEWS RWANDA:

John McKinstry’s side is largely dominated by home-based players.

Skipper Haruna Niyonzima is expected to pull the strings from midfield while AS Kigali striker Ernest Saguire leads the line up top.

Rayon Sports’ keeper Eric Ndayishimiye who got substituted in the game in Maputo is likely to start in goal while  foreign based central defenders Salomon Nirisarike and  Emery Bayisenge will form the pair at the heart of the Rwandan defence.

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