Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Rwanda coach Johnny McKinstry
Hosts Rwanda are in high spirits ahead of their friendly game against Cameroon on January 6 at the newly renovated Umuganda Stadium ahead of Chan 2016 set for January 16-February 7.
Amavubi, who have been in residential camp since December 28 in Rubavu, will be looking to fine tune themselves, for the tough task that awaits them when they make a debut at the continental tournament.
“I have always said that in friendly games, we should play the top teams. By doing so, we learn more about ourselves. In Cameroon and DR Congo, we will be tested. So in terms of preparing fully for the test against Ivory Coast in our opening game, I think that these games are perfect,” explained Rwanda head coach Johnny McKinstry.
Rwanda will open their Chan 2016 campaign against Ivory Coast on January 16 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
McKinstry admitted that getting a good result would be a bonus as the most important thing is preparing well for the Group A games against Ivory Coast, Gabon and Morocco.
He said, “I am confident most Rwandans would trade the results in these friendly games for the wins in Chan that will see us progress into the knockout stages.”
“So on Wednesday we will be looking for a good performance both from the team but also from certain individuals who are still fighting for their place in the squad. If we get that then regardless of the result, we will be going in the right direction.”
McKinstry will name his final 23-man squad after the friendly game with DR Congo on January 10 at the same venue.