OPTIMISTIC Amavubi team return to Kigali this evening ready to accomplish a tough task of ejecting Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia from the race to the Champions of African Nations (CHAN) finals.
Amavubi take on Walya Antelopes on Saturday at the Stade de Kigali with one big mission-winning at least by a 2-0 margin if they are to book a place in the 2014 finals slated for South Africa in January, 2014.
The team has been training in Rubavu ever since they lost the opening leg away in Addis Ababa ten days ago.
After an intensive preparation stint, Amavubi return back to Kigali to acclimatise and use Stade de Kigali for Friday’s morning training before giving way for Ethiopia to use the venue in the afternoon ahead of Saturday’s clash.
The national team which is seeking to make its second appearance at the continental scene have a tall order to undertake as they need to score twice past the visitors before keeping a clean sheet if they are to advance to the next stage of the CHAN qualifiers whose finals will be staged in South Africa next year.
Coach Eric Nshimiyimana who will have the home ground advantage and support still believes his team is not out despite the tough match.
“We are not yet out because we still have ninety more minutes to play and reach the CHAN finals. We can do well at home. Stakes are high at the camp and all players are in the positive frame of mind, looking forward to winning the match,”added Nshimiyimana.
The team has been boosted by the return of top striker Meddie Kagere who has been holding trials with PSL Mpumalanga Black Aces. He returned last weekend though his trial test results with the PSL side are yet to be known.
Striker Jimmy Mbaraga is the only player who is nursing a knock on his leg while muslim players have had a tough time trying to cope up with intensive training in this Ramadhan period.
Rivals Ethiopia are expected in the country today and coach Sewnet Bishaw expects his team to kick off the game with high composure and without pressure while enjoying a first leg 1-0 win advantage.
Bishaw has been at the centre of Ethiopia’s success leading them to the 2013 Afcon in South Africa and also being incharge as Ethiopia are on the verge of qualifying for the final round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers
Source:allafrica.com
