July 18

Rayon Sports vs USM Alger

RAYON Sports are optimistic getting their first group victory in the 2018 Total CAF Confederation Cup when they host Algerian side USM Alger on July 18 in Kigali.

The two sides have never met in any competition.

After registering two consecutive draws against Gor Mahia of Kenya and Tanzania’s Young Africans, Rayon play their third Group D game against the Algerian giants while elsewhere in the group, Young Africans will be visiting Gor Mahia.

Ahead of match-day 3 fixtures, USM Alger top Group D with 4 points, Gor Mahia and Rayon are second and third with two points apiece, while Young Africans are bottom with one point.

"We are very much looking forward to USM Alger tie, it’s a match that will determine a lot about our future and chances in the group. Winning it would be a very good turning point in our continental football campaign. We want to give it our best shot for a home victory,” Rayon Sports’ Brazilian coach Roberto Oliveira Goncalves de Calmo told Sunday Sport on Saturday.

He added: "We failed our mission in Cecafa Kagame Cup, which was to win it. But at the same time we drew positives from the tournament, now I know my players better and how to line them up in big games.”

Anything less than a victory against USM Alger will see Rayon Sports’ chances of reaching the quarter-finals wane.

"It’s important that we remain in the contention but it will be tough against a big team like USM Alger, but we’re well prepared for the task.” he further noted.

The Blues became the first Rwandan side to reach the group stages of any continental competition in April after overcoming Costa do Sol of Mozambique 3-2 on aggregate to reach the group stages of the Confederation Cup.

The former Rwandan champions are in Group D alongside Gor Mahia, Young Africans and Algerian giants USM Alger.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw