Rwanda in a must-win tie against Zanzibar

Tuesday Group AZanzibar vs Rwanda 1pmKenya vs Libya 3pm Group BEthiopia vs South Sudan 2pm Rwanda must get a win against Zanzibar at Machakos Stadium today if they are to keep the hope of reaching the knockout round of the 2017 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, which is being held in Kenya. Antoine Hey’s team knows that winning the second game against Zanzibar will boost their chances of qualifying to the semi-finals, but they will need good results against Libya and Tanzania too. Rwanda started their campaign on a poor note losing 2-0 to hosts Kenya in Group A’s opening match played on Sunday, while Libya were held to a 0-0 draw by Tanzania in the second Group A match in Machakos. After today’s clash with Zanzibar, who are playing their first match, Amavubi will have another task against Libya before finishing their group games against Tanzania. Masoud Juma and Duncan Otieno scored the crucial goals for Harambee Stars to award new Kenyan coach Paul Put his first win since he took charge last month, and Harambe Stars now sit top of Pool A with three points. “We did not have a good result in the opening game, but we have to put that in the past and focus on the next game against Zanzibar hoping to avoid any further slip up,” Amavubi skipper Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye said. The Rayon Sports shot-stopper added that, “It’s important that we win the next match. We will have to learn from our mistakes, and see how we can improve and do better against Zanzibar, Libya and Tanzania.” Rwanda, who are using the tournament to prepare for the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals in Morocco, were reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute after defender Soter Kayumba was handed a second yellow. Kenya play against guest team, Libya at Machakos Stadium on Tuesday after Rwanda vs Zanzibar game. In Group B, Ethiopia will face South Sudan at Kakamega while Wednesday will be the resting day. The top two teams in both groups will qualify for the semi-finals, with the final on December 17. Uganda are the title holders and record 14-time champions. editorial@newtimes.co.rw