2010 World/Africa Cup qualifiers

Friday

Mauritania    v     Ethiopia

Saturday

Rwanda        v     Morocco

Rwanda’s Amavubi Stars will play their third straight 2010 World/Africa Cup qualifiers against Morocco without prominent defender Boubakary Saddou.

The Cameroonian-born defender suffered a leg muscle strain during Amavubi Stars 2-1 win over Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on Sunday.

National team doctor Moussa Hakizimana confirmed to Times Sport yesterday that the defender will sit out this weekend’s qualifier against the Atlas Lions but will be fit in time for the return leg against the same team in Rabat next weekend.

"He suffered a muscle strain during the Ethiopia game and he won’t be able to play a part in the Morocco game. However, he is expected to be available for the return leg match.” Hakizimana noted.

The APR defender collapsed in pain after straining a muscle in his left leg during the Ethiopia game two minutes before half time and was replaced by Atraco’s Ismail Nshutinamagara.

In the absence of Saddou, who was has been outstanding in the last two qualifiers; the job of stopping the Morocco strikers will rest on shoulders of Hamad Ndikumana, Nshutinamagara, Elias Ntaganda, Aloua Gaseruka and Eric Gasana (Mbuyu Twite). His absence could also give a chance to Rayon Sports Aimable Rucogoza to get a place on the squad as cover.

Against Ethiopia, Amavubi Stars coach Blanko Tucak switched from his treasured 3-4-3 system to a more defensive 4-5-1 but it remains to be seen whether he continues with the later of revert to the former.

Ends