Amavubi wary of Zanzibar test

Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup(Quarter-finals)Today –SS9, TVRBurundi vs Sudan – 1pmRwanda vs Zanzibar -3pm TomorrowMalawi vs Tanzania -1pmZimbabwe vs Uganda -3pm AMAVUBI coach Milutin Micho has challenged his side to retain their focus when they take on Zanzibar in one of two Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup quarter-final matches this afternoon in Dar se Salaam. The wasps were sublime at the group stage; winning all their games and head into today’s game as the only side with a 100 per cent record at the tournament. However, Micho insists that the record will count for nothing if they fail to progress to the last four against a side who sneaked into the last eight following a third spot finish in Group B. “This is another test for us. We have done well up to this point but we need to stay focused and win the game,” the Serbian said. “What I am convinced is we will go with the same heart for everything. We have a chance to deliver, but it will be down to delivering the needed performance on the day. That is part of mental strength as well.” “We are not going to change the way we play. We are an offensive side and we will keep it that way,” Micho added. Rwanda was sent packing at this stage last year as they lost 0-1 to hosts Tanzania under Coach Sellas Tetteh but with a great run at the group stage, Amavubi head into the match as overwhelming favourites. Zanzibar will be boasted by the return of former coach Stuart Hall who took charge of their last group match against Somalia. He had a winning start as Zanzibar thrashed Somalia 3-0 to sneak through to the quarter-finals. The last time Rwanda and Zanzibar met was during the 2008 Cecafa Challenge Cup in Uganda. Rwanda took the day with a convincing 3-0 win at Namboole stadium. In the other quarter-final match, Burundi clash with Sudan. Burundi topped Group B with seven points after stunning Uganda 1-0 in their final group match. On the other hand, Sudan finished second in Group C with five points. Tomorrow, action continues when Malawi face hosts Tanzania. Record champions Uganda will play Zimbabwe in the other game. Probable line-ups Rwanda: Jean Claude Ndoli, Albert Ngabo, Jean Claude Iranzi, Eric Gasana, Ismail Nshutiyamagara, Buteera Andrew, Jean Baptista Mugiraneza, Charles Tibingana, Haruna Niyonzima, Olivier Karekezi and Meddie Kagere Zanzibar: Mwadin Ali Mwandin, Nadir Haroub, Juma Othuman, Wazir Salum, Abdulham Gulam, Suleiman Kassim, Aggrey Moros, Abdul Halim Humoud, Amir Hamad Omar, Khamis Mcha Khamis and Abdallah Seif Ali. bonnie.mugabe@newtimes.co.rw

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Amavubi wary of Zanzibar test