History beckons as Mukura take on Hilal Obayed in decisive clash

Saturday Mukura Vs Hilal Obayed 15:30 Francis Haringingo knows it and so do his players, a win against Sudan’s Hilal Obayed will see Mukura going past the CAF Confederation Cup’s first round for the first time since their 1982 debut. The game will start at 3:30pm, at Huye Stadium. After a week of intensive preparations, since holding the Sudanese side a goalless draw in Sudan last Saturday, the moment of truth has arrived for Mukura as they seek to edge out Hilal Obayed for a berth to the play-offs round. To advance to the next round, the hosts will have no shortcut. Victory is a must. On the other hand, a win or draw of goals will be enough for Francis Nuttall’s Hilal Obayed to send Mukura packing. Haringingo says his team is ready and “players understand well the magnitude of the challenge to overcome” if they are to make it through. “The team is in good spirits and my players are well prepared in all aspects [technically, physically and mentally] for the task at hand. We are ready to write a new history,” said Haringingo. “We want to make our fans and Rwandans proud.” Mukura will be looking to emulate their preliminary round performance where they beat South Africa’s Free State Stars 1-0 in the decisive game at Huye Stadium, both sides having played out a 0-0 draw in the first-leg in Johannesburg. The Huye-based side have gone seven games unbeaten in Azam Rwanda Premier League, the club’s best start to a new season in over two decades. Meanwhile, fans of domestic rivals such as APR, Rayon Sports, SC Kiyovu have put their differences aside, and promised they will flock Huye Stadium to support Mukura come Saturday. The Peace Cup holders, Mukura, are taking part in Africa’s second biggest club competition for the first time since 2000 when they were knocked out by Ethiopia’s Awassa City in the first round. editorial@newtimes.co.rw