AFCON qualifier: Rwanda to camp in Scotland ahead of Ghana clash

Ghana’s opponents for September’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Rwanda, will travel to Scotland next month to prepare for their clash against the Black Stars.

The national football team, Amavubi, is set to hold a two-week training camp in Scotland from August 2-16, according to head coach Johnny McKinstry.

The training camp is part of preparations for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Ghana on September 4 in Kigali as well as the side that will compete at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

“This is an excellent opportunity to put the players in a different environment whilst continuing to work on our tactical approach without the immediate pressure of a competitive game,” explained the Irish tactician.

Amavubi will play against three or four Scottish clubs and McKinstry said, “We already have an agreement in place for these. It is just a matter of confirming dates.”

The Irish tactician revealed that the training camp would be exclusive to players based in Rwanda because foreign clubs will not release those who are foreign-based, as it is not on the official FIFA dates.

Prior to the training camp in Scotland, the Amavubi will face South Africa on July 25 without APR players who will be competing in the CECAFA Kagame Cup which is scheduled for July 18-August 2 in Dar es Salaam.

Rwanda is also lining up friendly games against Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Congo Brazzaville, before heading to Scotland.

Amavubi assistant coach Vincent Mashami and goalkeeping coach Ibrahim Mugisha who also serve the same roles at APR are expected to join the national side after the CECAFA Kagame Cup.

Emmanuel Ruremesha and Thomas Higiro will in the mean time replace them respectively.

The last time a Rwandan national football team camped in Europe was in 2011 when the Junior Wasps trained in the UK ahead of the 2011.