Tough task awaits Amavubi in CHAN quarter-finals

Rwanda will be looking to beat DR Congo for a third consecutive time when the two countries clash in the first quarter-final of 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Amahoro National Stadium on Saturday. On their way to the quarter-finals, Rwanda topped Group A after beating Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 and Gabon 2-1 before losing the last match to Morocco 4-1. For DR Congo, who finished second in Group B behind Cameroon, also won two of their three games during the group stage. They beat Ethiopia 3-1 and Angola 4-2 before losing to Cameroon 3-1. Observers have billed the game as the match of the tournament, while fans from both sides would surely have wished their teams avoided each other until the most advanced stages of the tournament. Stakes are high for either side, as they are both desperate to go on and lift the African Nations Championship trophy, which DR Congo has already won – once. DR Congo will be looking for revenge after seeing Rwanda beat them twice since 2004. The game is also important for the two tacticians, McKinstry of Rwanda and Ibenge of DRC. McKinstry is confident about proceeding to the semi finals. Only the Junior Wasps (U-17 managed to reach the finals of Africa Cup of Nations which was held in Rwanda in 2011 and qualified for the World Cup. McKinstry said a CHAN quarter-final is a big game. The fact that it is against neighbours and one of Africa’s best sides, makes it even more important for the entire team. Meanwhile, McKinstry has urged the Amavubi supporters to turn up in big numbers at Amahoro on Saturday with the Rwanda traditional colours. “I urge all Amavubi fans to ensure they buy their tickets early. We want Amahoro to be packed to capacity, with Amavubi supporters,” McKinstry said. “We have to ensure that on Saturday, the only colour we see in Amahoro is yellow to maximize home advantage. The boys will be ready. The staff and players will be doing everything to get the result we all want,” he added. This is the third meeting between Rwanda and DR Congo in recent years — Amavubi won both the first (1-0) in 2004 at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Tunisia. The second win (1-0) came just over two weeks ago in a CHAN 2016 warm-up game played at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu District. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Sports

Tough task awaits Amavubi in CHAN quarter-finals