Rwandaà head coach Johnny McKinstry has decried the poor state of Amahoro stadium grass pitch ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana on Saturday.
ââ¬ÅThe pitch is in a bad state. It is the worst state since I came hereâ⬠When I first came to Kigali, more than five months ago, the pitch was really good. It was in a very good condition when I first came,â⬠the Northern Irish trainer told Times Sport.
McKinstry warned that playing on a hard and uneven pitch means the teams are more likely to turn over the possession more often to the opposition.
He added that, ââ¬ÅThere is no doubt about that. Yes, it impacts both teams. Last week we beat Ethiopia, they were good but they are not a world-class team. When we lose possession to Ethiopia, we generally have time to regroup, get organised.ââ¬
ââ¬ÅWill Ghana be as forgiving? If we concede possession to Ghana 50 times in the game because controlling the ball is a little bit more difficult on a hard and bumpy surface, Ghana can punish us,â⬠noted the 30-year-old tactician, who is nonetheless eyeing maximum points against the Black Stars.
Rwanda are second in Group H, tied on three points with table leaders Ghana, who walloped Mauritius 7-1 in Accra in June.
Amavubi defeated Mozambique in Maputo and the home side is seeking to replicate their form in their first leg tie against the star-studded Black Stars side that is expected to arrive in Kigali this morning, a day after their friendly against Congo Brazzaville, whom they beat 3-2.