World Cup 2010

Rwandan Players Blame Coach For Their Poor Showing In 2010 Qualifiers

The team botched their 2010 African Cup of Nations qualifying chances after failing to beat Zambia at home...

Nov 18, 2009 6:56:31 AM

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Rwanda’s Amavubi Stars head coach Branko Tucak was left in total isolation when his players singled him out as the root cause for Rwanda's failure to qualify for next year's African Nations Cup (CAN) in Angola.

Amavubi's assistant captain Olivier Karekezi was furious with the team selection for Saturday's decisive qualifier against Zambia and told The New Times as much.

"Initially, we had agreed on the final team to face the Chipolopolo but we were all shocked when it was changed without our consent," Karekezi, who only came on as a second half substitute, queried.

"This is not what we expected. We talk about team work but this was completely against team work. We have no idea why the team captain Hamad Ndikumana was dropped to the bench but what I can tell you all is that it had a negative impact to the team.

"Ndikumana is the most experienced player in the team and knows how to command the team," Karekezi reasoned, adding that Tucak's decision could be blamed for Saturday's appalling result.

However, Tucak's assistant Eric Nshimiyimana has revealed that the Amavubi captain was dropped because of poor form.

Rwanda needed a 2-0 win while Zambia only needed draw or a 0-1 defeat to qualify.

Zambia finished third with five points while Rwanda stayed bottom with two points from a possible 18.

James Momanyi, Goal.com

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