After a 1-1 draw against Uganda in the first leg at home three weeks ago, Rwanda U-20 national team must win the return leg this afternoon at Mandela National stadium, Namboole in Kampala to stand a chance of reaching the next round of 2017 CAF U20 qualifiers.
TodayUganda U20 vs Rwanda U20 3pm
After a 1-1 draw against Uganda in the first leg at home three weeks ago, Rwanda U-20 national team must win the return leg this afternoon at Mandela National stadium, Namboole in Kampala to stand a chance of reaching the next round of 2017 CAF U20 qualifiers.
Head coach Jean-Baptiste Kayiranga named the 18-man strong team on Thursday, which will be looking for a qualification against the Hippos.
The Junior Wasps team departed for Kampala on Thursday night aboard a RwandAir flight. The team is staying at Hotel Africana in Kampala, and had the final training session at Namboole stadium on Friday afternoon.
"If we play with high intensity and purpose, then we shall have a good chance to beat Uganda. We’re positive we can win but it will be a tricky game,” Kayiranga said.
Kayiranga noted that although it is a tricky tie, the Junior Wasps are well prepared and ready for the challenge.
However, the Uganda U20 head coach Keefa Kisaala is also confident that the Hippos will qualify for the next round because of the away goal they snatched in Kigali.
Marines’ forward Blaise Itangishaka scored for Rwanda before striker Edrisa Lubega equalised for visitors Uganda in the first leg at Kigali Regional Stadium. The winner will face Egypt in the second round of the qualifiers.
Seven teams will emerge from the qualifiers to join hosts Zambia for the tournament, scheduled for February 26 through March 12, 2017.
Rwanda U20 Squad:
Goalkeepers: Jimmy Djihad Nzeyurwanda (Isonga) and Bonheur Hategekimana (SC Kiyovu)
Defenders: Patrick Ndikumana (Rwamagana City FC), Aman Niyonkuru (Bugesera FC), Ange Mutsinzi (AS Muhanga), Arafat Sibomana (Amagaju FC), Jean Paul Ahoyikuye (Nyagatare FC), and Aimable Nsabimana (Marines FC).
Midfielders: Aime Ntirushwa (Interforce FC), Djabel Manishimwe (Rayon Sports), Kevin Muhire (Rayon Sports), Fred Ngabo Mucyo (AS Muhanga), Yamini Salum (SC Kiyovu) and Savio Dominique Nshuti (Rayon Sports).
Strikers: Innocent Nshuti (APR FC Academy), Abeddy Biramahire (Bugesera FC), Blaise Itangishaka (Marines FC), and Vedaste Niyibizi (Sunrise FC).
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