Amavubi return minus Branko

SECTIONS of Amavubi fans were left dejected on learning that the team’s head coach Tucak Branko had not returned with the team yesterday. Amavubi returned yesterday morning, three days after their disappointing 3-1 loss in Blida, Algeria. The team that returned included 11 local-based players and the team’s delegation head and CEO of the local football governing body (Ferwafa) Jules Kalisa. It is the second time the Croat has failed to accompany the team in the World Cup qualifying campaign.Back in August, Tucak chose to fly to Croatia after Amavubi’s 3-0 defeat against Egypt in Cairo. Much as the Sports Ministry (Minispoc) and Ferwafa have downplayed the act insisting that he is always in and out of the country to attend to his sick child back home, it has not gone down well with some fans who feel that the tactician has lost the desire to manage the team. Some who did not want to be quoted also fear that Tucak could be using the frequent trips to look for greener pastures in Europe. According to Ferwafa, Tucak returns in two weeks to start preparations for the make or break qualifier against Zambia. Even after Sunday’s defeat, Rwanda still has a fighting chance of making it to next year’s Africa Nations Cup (CAN). According to the group statistics, Amavubi, who wind up their qualifying campaign with a home game against Zambia next month need to win by a three-goal difference to reach Angola. Zambia, who have lost their last three qualifiers have a goal difference of (-3) while Rwanda’s stands at (-7) therefore a huge win for Amavubi would sneak the side through. Meanwhile, Algeria moved within touching distance of a ticket to next year’s World Cup after Sunday’s win. The North African nation will now battle African champions Egypt in a top-of-the-table clash next month to decide who goes to the World Cup. Goals from Abdelkader Gezzal, Nadir Belhadj and Karim Ziani ensured Algeria only needs to avoid losing by three goals in Cairo to reach South Africa. The Desert Foxes top Group C with 13 points, three more than Egypt. Egypt also secured a 1-0 win away to Zambia on Saturday to maintain their chances of qualifying for the World Cup. The Egyptians were running out of ideas when Sayed Moawad found Rabou lurking close to the edge of the penalty area in the 70th minute, and his powerful shot flew into the top corner. Group C GD PtsAlgeria 7 13 ptsEgypt 3 10 ptsZambia - 3 4 ptsRwanda - 7 1 pt Ends

Lifestyle

Amavubi return minus Branko