Rwanda vs Libya – AFCON 2025 Qualifier Prediction, Review, Team News, and Predicted Lineups.
Match Overview
Rwanda will host Libya at Amahoro Stadium on Thursday in a critical 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match. Both teams are battling to keep their AFCON qualification hopes alive, with Rwanda hoping for a win that will push them closer to securing a spot. Libya, on the other hand, needs a victory to stay in contention, depending on other Group D match results.
Match Details:
- Match: Rwanda vs. Libya
- Date: Thursday, November 14th, 2024.
- Venue: Stade Amahoro, Kigali Rwanda
- Competition: AFCON 2025 Qualifier, Group D
- Time: 4pm UK
Rwanda’s Journey So Far
Rwanda, under coach Torsten Spittler, has shown a mix of resilience and inconsistency in their AFCON qualifying journey. After a rough start, including a 3-0 loss to Benin, Rwanda managed to rebound with a 2-1 win in their most recent fixture. This victory, marked by goals from Innocent Nshuti and Djihad Bizimana, showcased Rwanda’s potential to compete strongly on home turf.
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The Wasps began their campaign with back-to-back draws against Libya and Nigeria, which gave them a starting foothold but limited their points to five, placing them third in Group D. Their current position means a victory over Libya could propel them to second place if Benin does not secure a win against Nigeria. This scenario would boost Rwanda’s chances ahead of their final and challenging game against Nigeria.
Libya’s Challenges and Controversies
Libya’s qualifying campaign has been tumultuous. After a controversial incident during their double-header with Nigeria, Libya’s hopes took a severe hit. They were initially on course, but an issue at the airport left the Nigerian team stranded for over 12 hours. This led to penalties from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), including a $50,000 fine and a forfeiture of the match points, significantly impacting Libya’s position in Group D.
Despite a challenging road, Libya has shown determination. Starting with a draw against Rwanda and a tough loss to Benin, Libya enters this fixture with just one point after four matches. For Libya to stay in the race for AFCON qualification, a win against Rwanda is crucial, along with a hope for Benin’s loss to Nigeria.
Current Form
Rwanda’s AFCON Qualifying Form:
- Draw against Libya (0-0)
- Draw against Nigeria (1-1)
- Loss to Benin (0-3)
- Win against Benin (2-1)
Rwanda’s Form in All Competitions:
- Win, Draw, Draw, Loss, Win
Libya’s AFCON Qualifying Form:
- Draw, Loss, Loss
Libya’s Form in All Competitions:
- Draw, Win, Loss, Draw, Loss, Loss
Team News
Rwanda National Football Team’s Key Players and Injuries
Rwanda has strengthened their lineup with several foreign-based players, including US-based defender Phanuel Kavita and Kaizer Chiefs’ talented goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. In defense, Libyan-based Thierry Manzi is a core part of the team’s strategy, while Innocent Nshuti stands out in attack, having scored two out of Rwanda’s three AFCON goals. Coach Spittler will likely rely heavily on Nshuti’s ability to break through defenses, especially in front of a supportive home crowd.
Libya National Football Team’s Updates
Libyan coach Nasser Al-Hadhiri has introduced new players like Moatasem Sabou, a defender from Al Olympi, and striker Farhad Al-Masmari from Al-Tahadi. Despite these additions, the team’s attacking efforts have been limited, with Ahmed Kraouaa yet to find the net in this AFCON campaign. Libya’s performance will rely on players like Kraouaa to improve their offensive stats, while defensive solidity will be expected from Al Olympi and Al-Tahadi recruits.
Predicted Lineups
Rwanda National Football Team’s Probable Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Fiacre Ntwari
- Defense: Niyomugabo, Niyigena, Mutsinzi, Ombolenga
- Midfield: Muhire, Bizimana, Mugisha
- Forwards: G. Mugisha, Kwizera, Nshuti
Libya National Football Team’s Probable Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Al Wuhayshi
- Defense: Elkouri, Yusuf, Erteiba, Al Mabrouk
- Midfield: Al Badri, Al Shreimy
- Attack: Salama, Al Khoja, Al Gleib; Kraouaa
Key Match Stats and Head-to-Head
- Rwanda has only one AFCON qualifying victory against Libya, a 3-0 win at home in 2014.
- Libya leads the rivalry with five wins against Rwanda, with three victories coming in away fixtures.
- Rwanda’s defense has held strong in recent home games, conceding fewer goals compared to their away matches.
Match Prediction
Rwanda’s home-field advantage and recent victory over Benin could provide the boost they need to secure a tight win against Libya. While Libya has introduced new squad additions, they have struggled offensively, and Rwanda’s solid defense may exploit this weakness. The Wasps are expected to push aggressively, aiming to keep their AFCON hopes alive as they look to challenge Nigeria in their next and final game.
Soccer Baba Predicted Score: Rwanda 2 vs 1 Libya
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Where to Watch Rwanda vs. Libya Live
- United States: Fox Sports USA (English)
- United Kingdom: ITV
- Rwanda: Local Networks
- Libya: Local Networks
This preview offers a comprehensive breakdown of the Rwanda vs. Libya AFCON qualifier, covering team news, anticipated lineups, match predictions, and broadcast details. The stakes are high as both teams battle for a coveted AFCON spot, setting the stage for an exciting showdown at Amahoro Stadium.
