Rwanda head coach Stephen Constantine says his instant focus is on securing victory in opposition to Liberia when the 2 sides meet within the opening qualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Kigali on September 25.
Amavubi will journey to Cape Verde days later earlier than going through Mali in November, however Constantine insists he’s not trying past the Liberia encounter.
“We’re solely fascinated about Liberia for the time being,” Constantine mentioned in an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Company (RBA).
“Nobody intimidates us. We respect each opponent, however we worry no person. We’ll play Liberia first, then Cape Verde, and eventually Mali in November. Proper now, my precedence is thrashing Liberia.”
As Rwanda begins its newest bid to return to Africa’s largest soccer match, the English coach has referred to as on followers to show up in giant numbers and create a powerful ambiance at Amahoro Stadium.
“They should come and assist us as a result of we want them. We can not do that with out the followers,” he mentioned.
“Refill Amahoro Stadium and make Liberia really feel that they aren’t simply enjoying in opposition to 11 gamers, however in opposition to 14 million Rwandans.”
Constantine returned to the Amavubi dugout in March for a second spell answerable for the nationwide crew, having beforehand coached Rwanda in 2015.
Upon his return, he mentioned he had “unfinished enterprise” with the nationwide crew and expressed his willpower to assist Rwanda obtain its long-standing ambition of qualifying for main continental tournaments.
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Rwanda are looking for to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for under the second time of their historical past. Their solely earlier look on the finals got here in 2004, when the match was hosted by Tunisia.
Liberia are coached by former APR FC coach Adil Mohamed Erradi, whose facet arrived in Rwanda on Sunday night time forward of Friday’s encounter.
