Today: First leg

Rwanda U-23 vs Uganda U-23 3:30pm

After seeing off Somalia in the first round, Rwanda U-23 men’s football team takes on Uganda in a much awaited CAF U-23 Championship/Rio Olympic Games qualifier this afternoon at Amahoro Stadium.

Expected on display is an outburst of emotions by the fans of both teams in a reflection of the rivalry at stake but most importantly the players will be seeking to epitomize their precedence in settling the battle for supremacy at least on the football pitch.

Rwanda coach Johnny McKinstry described the magnitude of today’s game when he said, "It is a big game for us. In some senses, it is another qualifying game that we’ve got to try and win but with Uganda being our very neighbours, obviously there is a bit of personal pride for the players.”

Reflecting on the week-long preparations, McKinstry said, "The level of intensity has been good through the week. We’ve tried to have a good attacking mindset to try and score some goals because we know we missed a few chances against Somalia. Overall, I am pleased because the effort has been there.”

The agility and sharpness displayed by the forwards in training this week will be tested with strikers Isaie Songa and Danny Usengimana as well as midfield maestro 16-year-old Kevin Muhire, Andrew Buteera, Yannick Mukunzi and Bertrand Iradukunda leading the attack.

However, the defensive quartet of Michel Rusheshangoga, Emery Bayisenge, Faustin Usengimana and Janvier Mutijima will be tested by Ugandan striker Farouk Miya, Most Valuable Player of the season with champions Vipers FC also remembered for his lone strike as the senior team – Uganda Cranes defeated Nigeria in a friendly game in March at the Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo, south eastern Nigeria.

Uganda head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic said, "When you are working very hard, you expect the result from the game. I have a lot of respect for Rwanda as a country. I spent here very good time for one and a half years and have given a chance to many of the players that will be my opponents tomorrow [today], but at the same time I am planning to get the best possible result with my team.”

Micho admitted that it is tough facing McKinstry, "I have great respect for Johnny McKinstry, my personal friend who is working here. It is always very difficult to play against friends because they know you in and out and so I am expecting a thrilling game and let the game of football be the winner.

"Let whoever is coming to watch the game enjoy it because these are two good teams and let good football excite the people.”

The Serbian tactician was in charge of the Amavubi from 2011 but was sacked following a poor run of results during the FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The return leg of this tie is expected to take place on May 31 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala. The winner of this tie will meet Egypt in the last round of qualification for the CAF U-23 Championship slated for November 28-December 12 in Dakar, Senegal.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw