Friday

Egypt U20 vs Rwanda U20

Rwanda’s Under-20 team (Junior Wasps) left for Cairo yesterday ahead of their return leg against Egypt in the second round of 2017 U-20 CAF qualifiers.

Head coach Jean Baptiste Kayiranga is optimistic his young troops can get a good result against the Egyptians on Friday.

Kayiranga’s side face an uphill task going into the game having lost the first leg in Kigali 1-0 to Egypt two weeks ago, thanks to the lone goal scored by Egyptian forward Ahmed Mohamed Taher in the 50th minute.

The junior Amavubi will have to significantly improve on their precision in front of goal and be more solid in defence if they are to go past this stage.

The team have been boosted by the return of striker Blaise Itangishaka (Marines) and Bugesera FC defender Aman Niyonkuru who missed the first leg through injury and suspension, respectively.

Kayiranga says his side will be looking for a win. "Our focus is to put up a good showing in the second leg to ensure that we progress to the next round. We failed to score at home but we can turn things around nonetheless,” he added.

The team arrived in Egypt yesterday and start training today at Cairo International Stadium ahead of their game on Friday night, with kick-off set for 21h45.

Rwanda reached the second round following CAF’s decision to disqualify first round winners Uganda over irregularities.

The Junior Wasps shared the spoils with Uganda in a1-1 draw in the first leg in Kigali but lost to the Hippos 2-1 in Kampala, losing 3-2 on aggregate.

But Uganda was later disqualified.

The winner between Rwanda and Egypt will face either Angola or Gabon in the final round of the qualifiers that will produce seven teams to join hosts Zambia for the final tournament from February 26 through March 12, 2017.

Rwanda U-20 squad:

Goalkeepers: Jimmy Nzeyurwanda (Isonga) and Bonheur Hategikimana (SC Kiyovu)

Defenders: Patrick Ndikumana (Rwamagana City), Arafat Sibomana (Amagaju FC), Jean Paul Ahoyikuye (Nyagatare FC), Aimable Nsabimana (Marines FC) and Aman Niyonkuru (Bugesera FC)

Midfielders: Kevin Muhire (Rayon Sports), Fred Ngabo Mucyo (AS Muhanga), Djabel Manishimwe (Rayon Sports), Jacques Ntwari (Bugesera FC) and Aime Ntirushwa (Interforce FC).

Forwards: Savio Dominique Nshuti (Rayon Sports), Abeddy Biramahire (Bugesera FC), Blaise Itangishaka (Marines FC), Salum Yamini (SC Kiyovu), Vedaste Niyibizi (Sunrise FC) and Olivier Usabimana (Marines FC)

editorial@newtimes.co.rw