20100904
New Times

Kigali — Rwanda's national football team, Amavubi Stars, may not be one of the continent football powerhouses, but over time they have proven more than capable against some of the continent's top teams like Nigeria and Ghana, especially when they play in front of their fans at Amahoro National Stadium.

With the big game against Ivory Coast, taking place today, many have written off the Rwandan team even before kick-off. However, despite not being favourites in a group which includes Benin and Burundi, the Amavubi stars stand a good chance of qualifying.

Rwanda's target is to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. To get there, Amavubi have a number of huddles to overcome, and today's game is one of the most difficult, but still winnable encounters.

With a new coach and young fresh legs making up the new face of the team, qualification is definitely within reach. In 2004, the Rwandan team beat all odds, and qualified, for the first time, for the prestigious African tournament.

They beat African giants, Ghana, leaving many soccer experts in shock, as they brought pride to their nation.

Today's team too, can perform exceptionally well and they should be rest assured that they have the full support of the Rwandan people.

With all the support the team, can relive the memories of 2004.