CAF Confederation Cup

Today Rayon Sports Vs Costa do Sol (Kigali Stadium, 6p.m)

Rayon Sports head coach Ivan Minneart says his message to his players ahead of their crucial 2018CAF Confederation Cup playoffs tie against Mozambique’s Costa do Sol is to attack and defend in numbers.

The blues take on the Mozambican side this evening at Kigali stadium knowing that a win will be a major boost ahead of the return leg in Maputo in 10 days.

"We watched a video of their last match against Cape Town and we are aware that they won their previous away games in this competition so they are a very difficult opponent but the best way to deal with such opponents is to attack and defend in numbers,” Minneart said after yesterday’s training session.

Costa do Sol jetted into the country on Wednesday afternoon and held a 2-hour training session yesterday. Their coach, Leonardo Costas, revealed that his team has also watched the blues but would not divulge their opponents’ weakness or strengths.

He, however, added that his team has been performing well away from home and will not be fazed by Rayon Sports’ home advantage.

"We have the advantage of being able to decide the result at home, but that will only be possible if we get the right result tomorrow (today). This team has performed well in away matches, which is another plus for us,” said a bullish Leonardo.

Meanwhile, midfielder Olivier ‘Seif’ Niyonzima and left-back Eric Iradukunda are a doubt for the home side after getting knocks during training.

The winner of the two-legged tie will advance to the group stage of the continent’s second biggest club competition.

Should the eight-time league champions eliminate Costa do Sol from the continental competition, they will be the first Rwandan club to reach the group stages of any CAF competition.

Last season, Rayon Sports were eliminated from the same competition at this stage by Nigeria’s Rivers United.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw