Rwanda failed to make a big mow from a recent Group C match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The result came three days after Amabubi lost 2-0 to the Nigerian Super Eagles on March 21 at the same venue.
In the second round match, Rwanda fell to second place with eight points, losing the top spot to current Group C leader South Africa, winning both matches with Lesotho and Benin to score five points.
Times Sports will look at five things that have sacrificed Amabbi in Adele Amlouch’s first two matches since being appointed Rwandan head coach.
Inadequate preparation
Previously, Amavubi had at least 11 days in preparation for international games. During Frank Spitler’s time, he began camping with local players, with foreign players later joining. Plus, they played friendly matches and were good at supporting the team’s performance.
Ironically, before two important home matches between Nigeria and Lesotho, Amavubi only had five days of camp, but that wasn’t enough to prepare them for a critical match.
If it was under Spitler, there was no quals as he already knew the team. However, the fact that Adele Amlouch and his entire backroom staff are not used to posting did not work in favor of them. They needed more than five days to fall behind the pros and cons of the players ahead of the two important games.
Poor choices and alternatives
The Amavubi problems are in order, one automatically leads to another. Hakim Sabo should not start either, given that he hasn’t been selected for the national team since June 2024, as players like Samuel Gueulette have been played from position.
Amroche made the change to 35 minutes by bringing Gilbert Mugisha to Gueulette as Kevin Muhire replaced Sahabo early in the second half.
Again against Lesotho, Amlouch chose to play without a striker, doing something unthinkable by taking off the innocent nshuti for Rafael Yorke.
Lesotho grew confidently and became equal in the 82nd minute through Lehlohonolo Fotohoane. Amavubi had a string of good chances in the final minutes of the game, but the typical number 9 was over, but they all went to waste.
You’ll wonder why Amlouch brought in winger York at the expense of Lutzro’s star striker Eve Habimana, who is ninth place, when the team needs to continue to put pressure on visitors.
Also Read: Fort Anne is Lately Equaled as Lesotho holds Rwanda in Kigali
Unstable among attackers
Gilbert Mugisha can prove that he lost more opportunities than the people he created. He did all the work on the sides, but his final ball was so poor that he missed them all.
He was sometimes selfish when Rwanda had last minute opportunities. He could have crossed the galette and buried the ball in the net, but he went for personal glory and inflated the ball on the bar.
Nshuti also had some chances to score, but failed to convert them before being replaced in the 77th minute.
Bad game management
With a 1-0 lead in 80 minutes and controlling the game, Amabbi had to manage his time by delaying tactics that are often essential in football.
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However, Amlouch made three unrelated changes and was unable to kill time as Lesotho put pressure on Amavuvi and scored his only chance in the second half.
Amavuvi had various ways to kill the game and earn three maximum points, but was not punished by Lesotho.
Lack of enthusiasm from players
Unlike their performance under Torsten Spittler, where Amavubi played with great enthusiasm, their firepower is now waning, and most players seem to be short of it.
The team adapted to Spitler’s philosophy in a few days, helping German coaches make the most of them.
However, the team is currently struggling, only picking six possible points in two home games. Thierry Manzi, who captained the team against Lesotho, said Spitler’s technical team and current Amlouch’s current team are not the same and it may take time for the Algerians and his assistant coach to get things right.
