The New Times (Kigali) Government Supporting Daily

Rwanda: Amavubi Eye Last Eight

Kigali — AMAVUBI Stars hope to seal their ticket to the quarter-finals of the Orange Challenge Cup with victory over Eritrea this afternoon at Nyayo stadium.

The wasps, who were not very convincing in Sunday's 1-0 win over Somalia, know that a win today will all but see them through to the last eight.

At the same time though, the team will have a cautious approach well aware that Eritrea are no push overs. The Red Sea Boys held Cosafa Champions Zimbabwe to a goalless draw in their opening game.

In a brief interview with Times Sport last evening, Amavubi's stand-in coach Eric Nshimiyimana said that the team was ready to do whatever it takes to secure early qualification to the next stage.

"We know what to expect because Eritrea and Somalia have the same kind of game," he said.

"They love to defend a lot so we have to utilize that opportunity and put a lot of pressure on them."

"If we do that, they will be forced into making mistakes," the former APR and Amavubi midfielder said.

On top of Claude Iranzi who is serving a one match suspension, Amavubi are also without the injured duo of Albert Ngaboyisibo and Tumaine Titi.

Like in the first game, the experienced trio of Haruna Niyonzima, Eric Serugaba and Jean Mugiraneza 'Migi' are expected to lead Rwanda's charge.

A win today will relieve Amavubi of the pressure that comes with having to qualify in the last game.

After this game, pre-match favorites Zimbabwe play minnows Somalia at the same venue.

Orange Cecafa Challenge Cup

Rwanda vs Eritrea (1pm)

Zimbabwe vs Somalia (3pm)


Copyright © 2009 The New Times. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 130 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.

Comments Post a comment