2010 World/Africa Cup Qualifiers

Today
Morocco    v    Rwanda
Tomorrow
Ethiopia     v    Mauritania

RWANDA’S Amavubi Stars face a fierce battle away to Morocco tonight in the 2010 World/Africa Cup qualifiers set for Mohammed V stadium in Casablanca.

The Amavubi Stars, who are residing at Sheraton hotel in Casablanca, go into today’s crucial fixture with a number of options as far the outcome of the game, is concerned.

In an interview with Times Sport on Thursday before the team’s departure, head coach Branko Tucak said his team is ready for anything that Morocco throws at them.

"We have prepared a team which I think can get good result away from home. Morocco will be under a lot of pressure in front of their fans and we hope to take advantage of any drop in their concentration,” the Croat stated.

Tucak is aware that the Atlas Lions will come out stronger than the way they played last weekend but he is confident about Amavubi chances of overcoming this situation.

The coach used a 4-5-1 formation in the first leg tie in Kigali last weekend and he is not expected to change his approach.

"My players will defend and strike as a team,” Tucak said, adding that his hopes of getting a good result in today’s game will depend on how best his five-man midfield can cope with short-passing Moroccans.

The midfielders, who did their job to outstandingly overshadow the Atlas Lions; Olivier Karekezi, Mutesa Mafisango, Haruna Niyonzima and Bokota Labama Kamana will automatically start while Said Abedi Makasi will only be deployed as a single striker upfront.

However, the Croat was still hesitant to decide who between Elias Ntaganda and Hegman Ngoma will replace suspended Mbuyu Twite (Eric Gasana) as the fifth man in the midfield.  Hamad Ndikumana, Aimable Rucogoza, Aloua Gaseruka and Arafat Serugendo will form the back line.

Meanwhile, Morocco coach Fathi Jamal will be hoping to avoid losing at home with a long list of injuries to his European-based quartet of Tarik Sektioui, Marouane Chamakh, Karim El Ahmadi, Mbark Boussoufa and Nabil Dirar are all sidelined.

A win for Rwanda in Casablanca will certainly make them then first team to qualify to the third and final qualifying round for 2010 World/Africa Cup finals.

Rwanda, who beat Morocco 3-1 in the first leg in Kigali lead group eight with nine points, three ahead of Atlas Lions of Morocco.

Still in group eight, Ethiopia with three points from three fixtures played entertain pointless Mauritania tomorrow in Addis Ababa.

Group 8 
Team      P    W   D    L   GF   GA   Pts
Rwanda   3    3   0   0   8     2     9
Morocco  3    2   0   1   8     4     6
Ethiopia   3    1   0   2   2     5     3
Mauritania  3   0   0   3   1    8     0

Ends