Rwanda will be looking to secure their first win in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers when they face Benin at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan this Friday, October 11. This critical match between the two teams, who are now well acquainted after four meetings in just two years, promises to be a tightly contested affair.
Benin has historically had the upper hand over Amavubi, with two wins and one draw in their last three encounters, making this a tough challenge for Rwanda. However, under the leadership of coach Torsten Spittler, Rwanda has shown remarkable progress. They’ve lost just once in their last eight matches across all competitions, conceding only two goals in the process. This steady form gives them hope that they can turn the tide against Benin.
As the game approaches, we analyze five key strategies that could help Rwanda secure a vital victory.
1. Push More Men Forward
Rwanda’s performance in their last game against Benin, despite a 1-0 defeat in a World Cup qualifier on June 6, showed promise, especially in the second half. Amavubi dominated after making offensive adjustments, pushing more men forward and keeping Benin pinned in their half.
Coach Spittler’s decision to introduce Bonheur Mugisha, who took control of the midfield, allowed Rwanda to apply pressure. A similar approach on Friday, with greater offensive precision, could help them overcome Benin’s defense.
2. Utilize the Wings Effectively
Rwanda’s strength lies in its pace and creativity on the wings, with players like Gilbert Mugisha, Jojea Kwizera, Ramadhan Niyibizi, and Johan Marvin Kury capable of troubling any defense. Their ability to exploit space and take on defenders could be a decisive factor in the match.
Nigeria used this tactic successfully in their 3-0 victory over Benin, and Rwanda could adopt a similar strategy to exploit weaknesses in Benin’s defense.
3. Improve Set-Piece Defending
Benin’s set-piece strength proved decisive in their last meeting, when an unmarked Dodo Dokou scored from a corner. Rwanda’s backline, including Ange Mutsinzi, Thierry Manzi, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, and Fitina Ombrorenga, will need to be more vigilant in defending set pieces.
Man-marking key threats and maintaining defensive discipline will be crucial in preventing Benin from capitalizing on corners and free kicks.
4. Get Innocent Nshuti More Involved
Innocent Nshuti, who has shown his ability to score with minimal chances, needs more support from the midfield. The One Knoxville FC striker was starved of opportunities against Libya and Nigeria, but still managed to demonstrate his goal-scoring prowess.
Providing him with better service through players like Kevin Muhire, known for his passing range, could unlock the Benin defense. Nshuti’s finishing ability could be the key to securing Rwanda’s first win in the qualifiers.
5. Maintain a Strong Midfield Core
A solid midfield trio has been the backbone of Rwanda’s recent performances. Bonheur Mugisha, captain Djihad Bizimana, and Kevin Muhire have gelled well together and were particularly effective in Rwanda’s second-half dominance against Benin.
The trio’s chemistry, with Mugisha breaking up play and distributing the ball, will be crucial in countering Benin’s physical midfield, led by Sessi D’Almeida and Dodo Dokou. Keeping these three players in sync will give Amavubi the edge in midfield battles.
Rwanda’s form and tactical adjustments under coach Torsten Spittler give them a fighting chance against a Benin side that has proven difficult to break down. By pushing more men forward, using their wingers to full effect, defending set pieces better, involving Innocent Nshuti more, and sticking with a strong midfield trio, Amavubi could walk away from Abidjan with their first win in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
