CAN Amavubi Stars sting the Fennecs?

Senior local coaches doubt team’s chances t against in-form opposition TodayAlgeria v Rwanda 20:15 YesterdayZambia 0-1 Egypt Rwanda’s will not have many options when they engage Algeria in the 2010 World/Africa Nations Cup qualifier tonight at Mustapha Tchaker Stadium, Blida, Algeria. Bottom placed Amavubi Stars go head to head with the Fennecs who are closer to fulfilling the dream of earning their ticket to next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa. Rwanda’ fortunes in this combined African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying campaign hasn’t been as successful as everybody hoped despite being drawn against continental champions Egypt, Algerian side full of confidence and potential, and a dangerous Zambian squad that is showing glimpses of its past glory. Amavubi is certainly able to frustrate Algeria at home, a feat they proved in the first leg which ended in a goalless draw in March. However, last month’s loss against Egypt hindered the country’s hopes of participating in next year’s Nations Cup and it’s still doubtful whether Tucak will license his players to venture forward in search or goals considering that they don’t have much to lose as they are placed bottom in group C with only a solitary point to their name. However, failure to balance his team in today’s game will still cost them to concede goals easily yet a win would be the only result to keep them running for a place at next January’s African Cup. The Croat will miss the services of the injured Olivier Karekezi and Mbuyu Twite whom he left out of his squad, but will welcome back Patrick Mafisango and Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, who missed the Egyptian leg due to suspension and injury respectively. Algeria’s main task is to overcome the solid midfield and backline of the Amavubi at Mustapha Tchaker stadium that has been bringing them good fortune ever since they adopted it as their home ground in the previous round of qualifying. None the less, senior local coaches have expressed their doubt on Rwanda’s chances of snatching a win against an in-form Algeria, who lead the group with ten points. APR’s Dutch Coach Erik Paske said yesterday, “It will be a difficult game and statistically, the game may end in favour of Algeria but everything in football is possible,”“It’s a 60 to 40 match for the hosts but we will keep fingers crossed until the final whistle,” Paske said. His Atraco counterpart Sam Timbe said, “I didn’t follow closely their preparations for this particular game but if they play like they did against Egypt, then they will have a chance.” “I think Rwanda still have a chance to qualify [for CAN] if they rectify the mistakes they made against Egypt in the last game,” added the Ugandan born coach. As for Tucak’s former assistant coach Raoul Shungu, “It’s a 50-50 match but will be extremely difficult for our boys, but a point can do well to boost their morale ahead of the home clash with Zambia.” Probable teams: Algeria : Lounes Gaouaoui, Bougherra Madjid, Halliche Rafik, Belhadj Nadir, Yebda Hassen, Matmour Karim, Saifi Rafik, Bouazza Hamer, Ziani Karim, Raho Slimane, Lemmouchia Kaled Rwanda: Jean Claude Ndoli, Edwin Ouon, Hamad Ndikumana, Boubakary Saddou, Didier Kapet Kouin, Louis Aniweta, Haruna Niyonzima, Jean Mugiraneza, Patrick Mafisango, Jean Paul Lutula, Cyrille Agnini Kouame. Ends