Rwanda re-group for Cecafa

Rwanda coach Johnny McKinstry

Following a disappointing 3-1 loss to Libya in the Fifa 2018 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday evening, Rwanda resumed training on Wednesday afternoon as they prepare for the upcoming Cecafa Senior Challenge that will be held in Ethiopia from November 21-December 12.

Rwanda coach Johnny McKinstry told supersport.com that, “There is no time to feel sorry for ourselves but we just have to get back to training and work on where we can do better.”

Local media reports stated on Wednesday afternoon that the Northern Irish trainer had been fired but he dismissed the rumours as he took over training with the locally based players as well as those based in the region like captain Haruna Niyonzima (Yanga), Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (Azam) and Abouba Sibomana (Gor Mahia).

McKinstry’s side focused on keeping shape during the game but expressed concerns on Amavubi’s ability to create chances.

“We are struggling to create chances and also our midfielders lack confidence in the strikers so they keep the ball for a longer period of time,” lamented McKinstry whose side has not won in the last six consecutive games in all competitions scoring just one goal.

He also emphasized that the Amavubi will have to cut down on the individual mistakes that cost them yesterday going forward as they prepare to face hosts Ethiopia on November 21 in the opening game of the annual regional competition.

McKinstry will be using the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup as a preparation tournament for Chan 2016 which will be hosted in Rwanda from January 16-February 7. Rwanda was drawn along Ivory Coast, Morocco and Gabon in Group A.