Despite Wednesday’s 1-1 home draw with Benin, Rwanda coach Carlos Alos Ferrer insists his team will fight for a place in the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations AFCON.
Despite drawing three matches and losing one, the Amavubi are confident they can still qualify for the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
With two rounds of matches remaining, they are third in the standings with three points, one behind second-placed Mozambique.
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A win at home against Benin’s Squirrels on Wednesday would have put them second, but they were unable to capitalize on their home field advantage.
“Mathematically, we have a chance.
“We have one point difference from the second team and they will have to come play here.
“The group is still open and we have lots to be positive about. I am positive,” the tactician said.
He added: “We have two matches to play at home and I hope we can play here with our supporters.
“That will be a huge advantage for us. We have played away in three matches and we showed we can compete well.
Thierry Manzi equalized in the 71st minute against Benin, canceling out Jodel Dossou’s goal for the visitors. Rwanda will rue their missed chances as they also had a penalty saved in the first half.
“I am disappointed with the result but not with how my team played,” noted the coach.
Meanwhile, Benin remained at the bottom of the group with two points, but they can still qualify.
According to new coach Gernot Rohr, they will also give their all in order to progress.
“We played in difficult conditions because we are not used to playing at altitude.
“But, we gave in a good fight and played well. We are building a team and we have many new players in the squad.
“We will keep working,” said the former Nigeria head coach.
Melvyn Doremus handled the ball inside the box in the 18th minute, giving Rwanda a chance to break the tie. Rafael York stepped up but however saw his penalty saved.
Benin had a chance to break the deadlock before the break when Junior Olaitan stepped behind a freekick, but his ferocious effort was well saved by the Rwandese keeper.
The visitors broke the deadlock just over a quarter of an hour into the second half, with Olaitan sending Dossou through with a brilliant ball.
The forward rounded the keeper before slotting into an empty net.
Rwanda fought back to equalize in the 71st minute, when Manzi headed home from close range after Meddie Kagere nodded Kevin Muhire’s corner into his path.
Rwanda came within minutes of taking the lead when Gilbert Mugisha hit a long-range shot that was well saved by Beninese goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe.