Saturday

Mukura Vs Al Hilah 15:30 (Agg. 0-3)

MUKURA Victory Sports will have a mountain to climb when they take on Sudanese giants Al Hilal on Saturday in the decisive game of their playoff tie at Huye Stadium, today.

It may look like mission impossible on paper, but head coach Francis Haringingo believes Mukura can still progress to group stage in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The black-and-yellow outfit need four unanswered goals to reach the lucrative group stage of the continent’s second biggest club competition after losing 3-0 in the first leg in Khartoum last Sunday.

Speaking to Saturday Sport on Friday, Haringingo urged his players to forget about what happened in the first leg and focus on getting the ‘desired result’ in the home leg.

"We cannot give up, that’s not who we are,” he said. "We will fight for the result we all need till the end. Of course it’s going to be a tough call, but one thing is certain, we will leave the pitch without any regrets, knowing that we have given our all.”

Haringingo blamed the heavy defeat in the first leg to defensive errors and failure to keep composure in a hostile atmosphere, but added he looks forward to a positive result at home.

"It is a very tricky situation for us because we conceded many goals, nonetheless, we need show what we are capable of. I appeal to our fans, and Rwandans in general to rally behind us.”

Last week, Mohamed Mukhtar, Idris Mbombo and Ahmed Muhamed were on target, with one goal each, to hand Mukura a near-impossible task in Saturday’s return leg.

Mukura reached the playoffs round – for the first time – last month after edging another Sudanese side, Hilal Obayed, 5-4 in penalty shootouts following a goalless draw in regular time.

Following APR’s early exit from the Caf Champions League, Mukura are the only Rwandan side left in continental football this season and – should they see off Al Hilal – they will become only the second Rwandan team to reach the group stage in the CAF competition, after Rayon Sports who did so last season.

The Peace Cup holders are taking part in the continental showpiece for the first time in 18 years.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw