Mulisa hoping for victory in Accra return

Fourteen (14) years ago, teenager Jimmy Mulisa was part of the

Despite the loss, Rwanda beat Ghana 1-0 in the return to qualify for their first and only AFCON participation. Uganda were the other contenders.

Coincidentally, Mulisa’s first game as interim coach of the Amavubis will be against the Black Stars in the

However, there is nothing to play for in the encounter this time as the group has been decided with Ghana qualifying automatically as winners of the group. The Black Stars lead the pack with 13 points, seven more than Rwanda, who have no chance of qualification.

Mulisa, 33, was named replacement for Irishman Johnny McKinstry, who was fired few weeks ago after a string of poor results, and is hoping to end the campaign with some pride.

Amavubi lost the first leg 1-0 after a Mubarak Wakaso late free kick settled matters, but Mulisa who had spells in Belgium, Romania, Kazakhstan and Malaysia during a career that spanned over a decade in Europe, has tasked his players to bow out with their heads high.

“Our main objective is to win the match against Ghana because we need to improve our position in FIFA rankings but also, the match is important for the pride of the country,” said the former forward who was named in the Rwanda squad for the AFCON 2004 in Tunisia.

“I have told them (the players) that this game can change their lives in football. If they need to be professional players, they need to show their capacity in this game.

“Many of the outstanding performers in training will help us in the game against Ghana. The foreign-based players will add something good to the team and we are confident the squad will do better.

We have players who have been working hard, determined and devoted to ensure that this qualifying match goes well. The mood and spirit in camp is positive,” Mulisa added.

Meanwhile, Mulisa has named an 18-man squad for the trip to Accra.

Full Squad