Amavubi seek early advantage against Congo

2015 Afcon Qualifiers TodayCongo vs. RwandaLesotho vs KenyaBenin vs MalawiTanzania vs Mozambique YesterdayBotswana 2-0 Guinea BissauUganda 2-0 Mauritania RWANDA’S AMAVUBI play away to the Red Devils of Congo in the first leg of the 2015 Nations Cup pre-qualifiers knowing anything short of victory will leave their dreams of making the Morocco festival in tatters. The two face off this afternoon at Municipal Stadium in Pointe-Noir with the hosts looking to put up a convincing victory while the visitors would do with anything that will see them go into the return in a fortnight with a chance to progress. The two nations will be meeting on the senior level for the first time with Congo having reigned over Rwanda in the U20 category two years ago. Prior to departure, head coach Stephen Constantine said, “Our next game against Congo will be very difficult. But we are going to try and take the result. I think its 50-50 at the moment; we have good players who have worked very hard. The atmosphere in the camp is superb, perhaps some of the best atmosphere I have seen in the team,” “I believe that with the dedication, commitment and hard work of each player, we shall give a good performance for the result that will give us a good chance in the second leg,” added the former Sudan and Malawi head coach. Amavubi defeated 2014 Chan champions Libya by scoring three unanswered goals in Kigali following a goalless draw on neutral ground in Radès while the Red Devils got past Namibia in the previous round with a 3-1 aggregate victory. Both teams will be relying on a strong base of local players with Dolisie’s AC Léopards and reigning champion APR their main providers. African champions in 1972, Congo have not qualified for Afcon finals since the 2000 edition of the continental competition, and will try to secure a seventh appearance under the leadership of Africa Cup’s specialist Claude Le Roy. As for Rwanda, they will be gunning for a second appearance after the 2004 success in Tunisia. Should Amavubi emerge as aggregate winner over two legged tie, they will join group A which has South Africa, Nigeria and Sudan.