Saturday

Rwanda U20 1-1 UgandaSierra Leone 0 - 2 Gambia Mozambique 1 – 0 MauritiusSwaziland 2 – 2 Namibia

Rwanda’s Under-20 national team head coach Jean Baptiste Kayiranga is confident his young troops will eliminate Uganda when both sides meet in the second leg of African Youth Championships qualifiers on April 23 in Kampala.

The Junior Wasps were held to a 1-all draw by visitors Uganda Hippos in the first leg of the first round CAF U20 qualifiers on Saturday at Kigali Regional Stadium.

Marine’s forward Blaise Itangishaka put the Junior Wasps in the lead in the 18th minute with a brilliant header from skipper Savio Dominique Nshuti’s cross on the left wing, before Uganda equalized through striker Edrisa Lubega in the 34rd minute with a calm finish.

Both teams continued with their attacking and defending flair but neither could find each other’s net for a winner.

After the match, Kayiranga told Times Sport: "I am confident this team will get a good result in Uganda. We have not had enough time to fully prepare but I’m sure my team will put up a good display in the second leg.”

"Uganda is a strong side but nonetheless we managed to play good football which many people did not expect and we are going to reorganise again and get ready for the second leg. I believe we can do better in the next game,” the former Amavubi midfielder said.

Rwanda may be facing a tough test away in Kampala but if Uganda play an open game, then the Junior Wasps will have a chance should they improve on their striking force and maintain their offensive approach.

However, Ugandan U20 head coach Keefa Kisaala is also confident that his Hippos will qualify for the next round because of the away goal they snatched last weekend. "I am confident that we will eliminate Rwanda. We have many young players at home who will play the second leg and I believe we will win the game and proceed to the next round.”

editorial@newtimes.co.rw