Rwanda will host Libya in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Thursday at Amahoro Stadium, hoping to secure a win to improve their chances of qualifying for the tournament.
Meanwhile, a win for the Mediterranean Knights could also help them stay in contention for AFCON qualification depending on the result from the other game in Group D.
Match preview
© Imago
After suffering a 3-0 defeat to Benin at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, which derailed their AFCON quest, Rwanda bounced back with a 2-1 home win over the same opponents a few days later.
Andreas Hountondji scored his second goal against the Wasps in as many matches to give Benin the lead at the break, but Torsten Spittler's men found five minutes of inspiration that saw Innocent Nshuti restore parity before Djihad Bizimana converted his spot-kick to secure a first win of the qualifying series.
Prior to that, Rwanda recorded back-to-back draws in their opening two games against Libya and Nigeria, leaving them in third place with five points.
A win for the East Africans in their next game against Libya could see them rise to second if Benin fail to beat Nigeria, leaving them in pole position heading into the final qualifying game away in Nigeria next week.
However, Rwanda have only one win against the Mediterranean Knights, a 3-0 home win in an AFCON qualifying game back in 2014, but the hosts have lost five times, three of which were at home against the North Africans.
Libya were involved in a huge scandal during last month's double-header against Nigeria, after they left the Super Eagles stranded at the airport for over 12 hours, a couple of days after losing 1-0 in the first leg at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Africa's football governing body, CAF, investigated the incident, and the North Africans were fined $50,000 while also forfeiting the three points.
Prior to the games against Nigeria, Libya drew with Rwanda in their opening game, before losing to Benin in their second game, leaving them with just one point after four matches.
The Mediterranean Knights must win on Thursday and hope that Benin loses to Nigeria if they are to remain in contention for the AFCON ticket heading into their final match against Benin next week.
Team News
© Imago
US-based defender Phanuel Kavita and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari are among the foreign-based players called up for Rwanda.
Libyan-based defender Thierry Manzi is also in the squad, and all eyes will be on Nshuti who has scored two of the Wasps' three goals in the AFCON qualifiers so far.
Libya coach Nasser Al-Hadhiri added Al Olympi defender Moatasem Sabou and Al-Tahadi striker Farhad Al-Masmari to his initial squad.
The Mediterranean Knights' attack is expected to be led by Ahmed Kraouaa, who is yet to open his scoring account in the AFCON qualifiers.
Rwanda possible starting lineup:
Ntwari; Niyomugabo, Niyigena, Mutsinzi, Ombolenga; Muhire, B. Bizimana, Mugisha; G. Mugisha, Kwizera, Nshuti
Libya possible starting lineup:
Al Wuhayshi; Elkouri, Yusuf, Erteiba, Al Mabrouk; Al Badri, Al Shreimy; Salama, Al Khoja, Al Gleib; Kraouaa
We say: Rwanda 1-0 Libya
Rwanda have been solid in the two home matches they have played in the AFCON qualifiers, and we believe that their home form will help them edge what is expected to be a tight affair against a Libyan side fighting to remain in contention for a place at the tournament.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
![Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral during the pre-season friendly match at the City Ground, Nottingham on August 2, 2024 [on August 5, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1 "Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral during the pre-season friendly match at the City Ground, Nottingham on August 2, 2024 [on August 5, 2024]")
