Saturday Rwanda vs Ethiopia 15:00

Ernest Sugira is optimistic to continue his scoring form when Rwanda takes on Ethiopia in the decisive clash of their African Nations Championships (CHAN) Qualifier at Kigali Stadium on Saturday.

The APR striker scored a stunning overhead kick to power Rwanda to a crucial 1-0 away victory in the first-leg last month.

Prior to the Ethiopia game, Sugira was also on the score-sheet as Amavubi upset the odds to beat DR Congo 3-2 in a friendly match in Kinshasa.

"I feel privileged that my goal made the important difference in Ethiopia,” Sugira told Times Sport on Thursday. "I have been working hard in training, I am in fine form for the return leg. I want to score again.”

However, "Most importantly, I want to help my country qualify for CHAN again.”

The aggregate winner over the two legs will automatically secure their spot at the 2020 CHAN finals tournament – to be held in Cameroun – as one of the three teams that will represent the Cecafa region.

Unbeaten in their last five matches, in all competitions, a draw will be enough to see Rwanda at Africa’s second-biggest football tournament for the fourth time since the 2011 debut.

Injured Sugira missed the 2018 CHAN – hosted and won by Morocco, but the talisman was part of the 2016 edition’s team of the tournament as he helped Amavubi to quarter-finals when the competition was held in Rwanda.

He scored three goals in four matches in the competition. DR Congo beat Rwanda in the round of last eight en route to clinching their second CHAN title.

Meanwhile, the Ethiopian contingent arrived in the country Thursday evening and they are expected to hold a training session at Kigali Stadium on Friday afternoon.  

editor@newtimesrwanda.com