 | Nickname: Amavubi or Wasps Coach: Ratomir Dujkovic Captain: Desire Mbonabucya Cup record: First appearance |
Not many football soothsayers predicted Rwanda's presence at the Cup of Nations. After all, they were drawn in the same qualifying group as four-time winners Ghana. But 10 years after the genocidal conflict that horrified the world, the Amavubi or Wasps, put Rwanda back on the map with positive sporting headlines..
They caused a major shock when they beat Ghana's Black Stars 1-0 in Kigali to top the group.
Their progress has come on the back of considerable financial support from the country's president, Paul Kagame - an avid football fan.
Coached by Serbian Ratomir Dujkovic, the team itself is a mixture of youth and experience, with Belgium-based Desire Mbonabucya the heartbeat of the side.
Rwanda are keen to stuff the 'no-hopers' tag down the throats of their opponents in Tunisia.
Did you know? Rwanda's Football Federation was founded in 1972 and only became a member of Fifa in 1976.
Coach
Ratomir Dujkovic's history association with football goes back to his days as a player with Red Star Belgrade and the national team of the former Yugoslavia.
 Ratomir Dujkovic is not a household name |
Previous coaching stints in Venezuela and Burma may be the source of the giant-killing mentality he has instilled in his Rwandese side. Dujkovic may not be a household name but that could all change if Rwanda turn the Cup of Nations Cup on its head with a sensational result.
Key players
Olivia Karakezi has the potential to be an African Paul Scholes. Like the Manchester United midfielder, Karakezi covers a lot of ground and regularly surprises opponents by ghosting into goalscoring positions.
Jimmy Gatete shields the ball well and leads the line and it was his headed goal against Ghana which secured qualification.
It is vital Gatete's scoring touch does not desert him because Rwanda invariably move up a gear or two when he is on top form.
 Desire Mbonabucya is Rwanda's trump card |
Much will also depend on the creative ability of Desire Mbonabucya, as well as the midfielder's skill at set-pieces and his willingness to set up others.
Verdict
Inexperience at this level is Rwanda's biggest enemy but the Wasps are unlikely to be overawed by the occasion or get intimidated by the 'big boys'.
Expect a lot of pride in their performances as they do not have to cope with inflated expectation - or any expectation, really.
Putting one over the Democratic Republic of Congo would surely make it an even more memorable Cup of Nations, given all that has happened in the Great Lakes region in recent years.
MMIX
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