World Cup 2010

Rwanda Coach Agonising Over Midfield Void Ahead of Egypt World Cup Qualifier

Their midfield maestro Mugiraneza is out suspended, leaving the side's options limited.

Jun 30, 2009 10:40:56 AM

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Egypt Players Celebrate

Teams

Egypt
Rwanda

Rwanda head coach Tucak Branko is agonising over who will fill Jean Mugiraneza's void in next month's make or break 2010 World Cup qualifier against Egypt.

The APR midfielder is serving a one-match suspension after accumulating back to back yellow cards in Rwanda's opening qualifiers against Algeria and Zambia. In his absence, Branko has a tough task in finding a suitable replacement for the hard-tackling player.

His best option at the moment lies in Mutesa Mafisango, although this would require Amavubi skipper Olivier Karekezi to fall back and fill the creative midfield position.

The Croat also has to think out the best attacking duo from Eale Lutula, Said Abedi, Bokota Labama and Jimmy Gatete. Karekezi joined the Amavubi camp on Sunday, while Al-Ahly Tripoli defender Saddou Boubakary was to join the team yesterday.

Rwanda's chances of making a debut World Cup appearance are on the rocks after a poor start to their campaign. The Amavubi Stars have only managed a point from a possible six in Group C after a goalless home draw against Algeria and an away 1-0 defeat to Zambia.

James Momanyi, Goal.com