Do or die for Junior Wasps

AYC Qualifiers TodayMali vs Rwanda 6pmGhana vs Uganda S. Africa vs CongoMauritius vs DR CongoNigeria vs TanzaniaKenya vs EgyptRwanda’s U-20 football stars face the most challenging moment of their budding careers when they face Mali in the second round return leg of the 2013 Africa Youth Championship qualifier this evening in Bamako.The junior wasps, who came from 1-0 behind to win the first leg encounter in Kigali 2-1, two weeks ago, only need a draw to progress to the third and final qualifying round.Head coach Richard Tardy admits his team has the advantage and is optimistic they will not only put up a good display away from home but defend their one goal lead.“We will be aiming for a win in Saturday’s (today) game. We can’t go there to play for a goalless draw, much as we need to keep our defence tight, we also need to score at least one goal,” Tardy said before the team’s departure on Wednesday.With the arrival of Belgium based centre back Salomon Nirisarike to beef up the team’s backline, Tardy will have other areas to worry about.“Having him (Nirisarike) in the team is an added advantage in our pursuit for a good result in the return leg. I trust him to do the job for the team as he is not just a good player but a team leader; we really missed his services in the first leg.“Everyone in camp is excited about his presence,” stated the Frenchman, who is seeking to lead Rwanda to the African Youth Championship for the second successive time. Rwanda made her debut in the U-20 AYC in 2009 as hosts, when the tournament was held in Kigali, failed to reach the quarterfinals.The winner over the two legs between Rwanda and Mali will face either Lesotho or Zambia in the final qualifier for the finals tournament which will be held in Algeria. Seven qualifying teams will join hosts Algeria for the 2013 AYC finals.Rwanda U-20 squad: O. Kwizera, JMV. Rusingizandekwe, F. Habyarimana, S. Nirisarike, E. Bayisenge, J. Uwimana, T. Ntamuhanga, E. Nsabimana, E. Sebanani, P. Sibomana and B. Bayingana.

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Do or die for Junior Wasps