AFCON U-20 Qualifiers: We are ready for Zambia, says Mashami
Wednesday, May 09, 2018
U-20 national football team head coach Vincent Mashami gives instructions to his players before the second leg against Kenya. He says his side is ready to face Zambia. Sam Ngendahimana.

Saturday, 3:30PM

Rwanda Vs Zambia

RWANDA U-20 national football team head coach Vincent Mashami has urged his young guns to aim for nothing other than a home victory when they face Zambia in the first-leg of the 2019 AFCON U20 second round qualifiers this Saturday at Kigali Stadium.

The former Isonga, APR and Bugesera coach told exclusively Times Sport that the U-20 are in high gear and great mood and are confident to sting Zambia before cautioning them to have a good balance of determination and confidence.

"We have had enough preparations together, and I am quite positive that this team is in the right position, physically and mentally, to win come Saturday,” he said.

"With no doubt, it is going to be a tough game on both sides. Zambia are African champions and will be fighting to live up to that status while, as hosts, we won’t be settling for anything less than three points. My boys understand the magnitude of the game,” he added.

Zambia U-20 national team have summoned two England based youngsters, Mwiya Malumo, who plays for Wigan Athletic youth team, and Lifumpa Mwandwe of Shrewsbury Town youth team.

To advance to the second round of qualifiers, Rwanda bundled out their counterparts of Kenya a fortnight ago, thanks to an away goal advantage. The teams played out a 1-all draw in Nairobi before sharing goalless spoils in the return-leg in Kigali.

Prior to flying to Kigali, Wedson Nyirenda’s side played two friendly matches, a goalless draw against Malawi last Friday and a 2-0 win over Swaziland on Monday.

After the first-leg, Rwanda will head to Zambia for the return-leg slated for May 18.

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