Wednesday
Mukura 1-0 Free State Stars
Other results
Silver Strikers 1-0 Cercle Mberi Sportif
Al Merreikh 0-0 Green Buffaloes FC
Arta / SIHD 0-3 Kariobangi Sharks
Defence Force 1-3 Enugu Rangers
Vital’O 1-4 New Star de Douala
Young Buffaloes2-3 Green Eagles FC
DAVID Nshimiyimana scored the lone goal as Mukura Victory Sports claimed a narrow 1-0 victory to edge South Africa’s Free State Stars out of the 2018/2019 CAF Confederation Cup at Huye Stadium on Wednesday.
The return-leg victory saw Mukura progress to the first round of the continent’s second biggest club competition at the expense of the South African side who failed to go past the preliminary round following the two sides’ goalless draw in Johannesburg last week.
Francis Haringingo’s Mukura will face El Hilal El Obeid of Sudan in the first round between December 14 and 23 for a spot in the group stage of the competition.
Burundi international Nshimiyimana broke the deadlock with a powerful header in the 55th minute following a curling cross inside the area from skipper Hussein Ciza.
A rock-solid Mukura defence – in front of keeper Umar Rwabugiri – made of central defenders Nshimiyimana and Saidi Iragire, left-back Janvier Mutijima and right-back Hassan Rugirabayo, put up a fantastic performance to deny Free State Stars forward a chance.
Mukura had many opportunities to score but the wastefulness of forwards Christopher Ndayishimiye, Onesme Twizerimana, Ciza and Bertrand Iradukunda ensured the game ended 1-0 as the visitors opted to stick on a defensive game and rely on counter-attacks.
Haringingo brought on Frank Lomami for Onesme Twizerimana in the 56th in hunt for another goal, and he did cause trouble to Free State Stars’ defence but could not find the back of Olivier Kwizera’s net. The latter also came on for Mbambo Samkelo as a second-half substitute.
Earlier, Mukura had come close to taking an early lead in the opening ten minutes but Ciza was denied by goalkeeper Mbambo in a one-on-one duel.
Mukura booked the ticket to represent Rwanda in the continental competition in August after beating Rayon Sports to win this year’s Peace Cup.
The Huye-based black and yellow outfit are playing in the Caf Confederation Cup for the third time after 1994 and 2000.
editorial@newtimes.co.rw