Rwanda coach Spittler shocked after 2-0 win over Bafana

In the wake of their 2-0 win over Bafana Bafana in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, Rwanda coach Frank Spittler has expressed shock.

The coach, Spittler said he didn’t expect his men to beat coach Hugo Broos’ side at home to secure their first win in the qualifiers.

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At the same time, Rwanda have not won at home since 2021 and the win over Bafana also came as a surprise.

Heading to the encounter in Butare, Bafana were in high spirits from a 2-1 victory over Benin in Durban – but they were stunned away from home.

RWANDA COACH SPITTLER SHOCKED AFTER BEATING BAFANA

While he is delighted and in awe as the players have adapted quickly to his strategy in Tuesday’s ‘surprise’ win, Spittler said there is still more work to be done.

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Nicknamed Amavubi, Rwanda netted through Innocent Nshuti and Gilbert Mugisha at a waterlogged Huye Stadium.

“Frankly, I never expected it will be so fast, they have grabbed what I taught them,” Spittler told the media per The New Times.

“I am surprised about the scoreline and how they played.”

“I cannot say we are there yet because we won just one game. There is still more that my players need to learn.

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“Olivier Niyonzima was marvellous today, he marshalled the midfield so well.”

As he wants his troops to remain grounded, Spittler is fully aware that they are not a complete product and they have to keep working hard.

SPITTLER SINGLES OUT RWANDA SKIPPER

Moreover, the German manager expressed praise for his skipper Djihad Bizimana and goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari who were outstanding versus Bafana.

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“I have a great captain in the person of Djihad Bizimana. He organised the team very well,” adds the 60-year-old mentor.

“He is my mouthpiece on the field and he tells the players what I want them to do.

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“Also, our goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari is very calm but has a big positive influence. He makes sure everyone does his job at the back.”

Up next for the Rwandans is a clash in the qualifiers against Benin – the match will be played in June next year away from home.

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