Rwanda shifts focus to the 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which resume in March, after Saturdays’ shock elimination from the 2016 Championship of African Nations (CHAN).

Johnny McKinstry’s team waved goodbye to the tournament they host after a 2-1 loss to the Leopards of DR Congo in the quarterfinals played at Amahoro Stadium on Saturday 30.

“We are going to review everything from this tournament, whilst at the same time begin preparations for our two AFCON qualifiers against Mauritius,” Johnny told FERWAFA.

Rwanda who are in group “H” plays Mauritius twice in March between 23rd and 29th ,Mozambique in June before facing Ghana in September in their last qualifier fixture of the group.

“We are very well placed in our qualifying group; and our target will be to take maximum six points from these two games. If we can do that then we will be in a very strong position to push on and qualify for the AFCON final in Gabon.”

Amavubi are placed second behind Ghana in group “H” with three points from the last two qualifiers, where they registered a win against Mozambique and lost to the group leaders.

16 teams from 52, including host Gabon will qualify for the 31st edition of the biggest football extravaganza in Africa to be staged next year (2017) in Gabon.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com