Today
Group D Young Africans Vs Rayon, 6pm Gor Mahia Vs USM Alger, 6pm
RAYON Sports head coach Ivan Minneart has urged his players to be determined and confident when they take on Group D opponents Tanzanian heavyweaights, Young Africans, today in their second Group D match of the CAF Confederation Cup at Uwanja wa Taifa in Dar es Salaam.
Enjoying their debut appearance in any CAF competition group stage, Rayon Sports arrived in Tanzania on Tuesday morning, before holding a light training session ahead of today’s highly anticipated match.
While talking to Times Sport before the team’s departure on Monday, Minneart said he is confident in the quality and ability of his players.
"We will fight with all we have for the result we all want – victory. The boys simply need to be themselves, to be determined and self-confident, and execute well our game plan,” Minneart said.
"The aim is to score goals and avoid conceding. A well-organised defence and sharp attack will be key to collect the three points. Young Africans are a strong side in addition to their home advantage, but we are ready and in buoyant mood,” he added.
The eight-time Rwandan league champions started their group campaign with a 1-all draw against Kenyan giants Gor Mahia a fortnight ago, while Young Africans were humiliated in a 4-0 routing by group leaders USM Alger.
Winless in their last seven games, struggling Young Africans (Yanga) will be welcoming back some of their best players, namely Ibrahim Ajib, Papy Tshishimbi, Said Juma, Obrey Chirwa and Kelvin Yondani, after they missed the USM Alger clash in Algeria.
On the other hand, Rayon Sports will be without centre-back Faustin Usengimana, who accumulated two yellow cards in the last two games, against Costa do Sol and Gor Mahia.
In another Group D encounter to be played today, Gor Mahia who boast two Rwandan forwards Jacques Tuyisenge and Meddie Kagere, host USM Alger at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
USM Alger top Group D standings with 3 points, Gor Mahia and Rayon are second and third with one point apiece, while point-less Young Africans are bottom.
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