Etincelles to go offensive

In today’s second leg clash against AC Leopards Today’s fixtures Etincelles vs AC LeopardsDCMP vs KMKM VVictors vs Mbabane HighlandersDedebit vs Young AfricansInter Stars vs Missisle Sofapaka vs AS Aviaçao ETINCELLES head coach Abdul Bizimana has dismissed suggestions that his side will sit back and defend their away-goal advantage this afternoon at Umuganda stadium.The Western Province side hosts Congo Brazzaville’s AC Leopards in the second leg of the Orange Confederation Cup well aware that a goalless draw cuts it out for them. After over a decade away from the African football spotlight, Etincelles put in a spirited performance two weeks ago to secure a vital 1-all draw against AC Leopards in Pointe Noir. Central defender Eddie Nshimiyimana scored the goal.While conceding that he faces his toughest task yet in his short reign as Etincelles boss, the former Mukura coach insists that his players will not abandon their attacking mindset, regardless of the threat posed by the Congolese. “We expect a very attacking AC Leopards’ side but we have the character not to sit back - it is impossible in this team. “Even if I say to them, ‘Hey guys, let’s sit back and defend’, it is impossible because there is this desire in the team to play football,” he said. Despite the on-going financial crisis at the club, Bizimana has asked his players to focus on the Cup game.“It is never easy when dealing with financial issues but I have asked the guys (players) to try and focus on the task ahead.” Other games on cards include a clash between Uganda’s Victors and Mbabane Highlanders of Zimbabwe while Kenya’s Sofapaka play Angola’s AS Aviacao. DRC’s DC Motema Pembe will also look to seal their first round slot when they take on Zanzibar’s KMKM in Kinshasa. The Congolese side enjoys a four goal cushion from the first leg. Meanwhile, five fixtures have been affected by the on-going Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Sudan. These include AS Real (MLI) v Tevragh Zeina (MTN), Sahel (NIG) v Dynamic (TOG), Ashanti Gold (GHA) v Sewe San Pedro (CIV), Africa Sport (CIV) v Sequence (GUI), Inter Stars (BDI) v Missile (GAB). This year, the winner will pocket $660,000 (Rwf355.2m) in prize money. Ends

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Etincelles to go offensive