SaturdayPolice FC vs V. Club Mokanda 3:30pmDesportiva de Maputo vs Sagrada Esperança

As Police FC readies to host a do-or-die return match against Vita Club Mokanda of Congo Brazzaville in the CAF Confederation Cup this Saturday, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana met with the players this Friday and urged them to "aim for the best.”

Police will take on Vita Club Mokanda in the CAF Confederation Cup first qualification round second leg on Saturday at Kigali Regional Stadium; kick off at 3:30pm.

While briefing the team and its management at Kicukiro stadium yesterday, IGP Gasana said: "You have our full support; remember you will be representing not only Rwanda National Police, but the entire nation and what Rwandans look forward to is a win.”

Police FC played a goalless draw away in Congo Brazzaville a week ago, and will go into the return leg as favourites backed by the home advantage. Police need a win of any sort to progress to the second round.

Should Police eliminate the Congolese side, they will meet the winner between Angola’s Sagrada Esperança and Mozambique’s Liga Desportiva de Maputo in the second round.

Police FC coach, Andre Cassa Mbungo is confident the team will go through to the next stage.

"We are playing an experienced side… that can’t be under looked but my team is physically and psychologically prepared to pose a challenge. The home advantage and support of Rwandans which we expect, will contribute to our success tomorrow,” Mbungo said.

Meanwhile, Peter Kamasa reports that, Police, who played a goalless draw away in the first leg last weekend, will go into the second leg fresh from losing their first league game of the season 2-1 against Marines in mid week.

However, Mbungo rely on back midfielders Rachid Kalisa, Hegman Ngomirakiza and Idesbard Nshuti who missed the first leg due to injuries but Jean Paul Uwihoreye is out of today’s game with an ankle injury.

Police hired Mbungo last season after his exploits in the 2014 edition of the competition when he inspired AS Kigali to the second round after seeing off Burundian side Academie Tchite 2-1 in the preliminary round and Al Ahly Shendi of Sudan 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw on aggregate.

The match will be handled by Chadian referees including Alhadi Allaou Mahamat, Kriga Abdoulaye and Alfred Madjihoudel.

If Police qualify, they will play against the winner between Angola’s Sagrada Esperança and Mozambique’s Liga Desportiva de Maputo in the second round.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw