Francis Haringingo has challenged his Mukura players to take next week’s game against Free State Stars of South Africa in CAF Confederation seriously. Following the two sides’ goalless draw in the first-leg in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Mukura will be hosting the South African side in the decisive encounter at Huye Stadium on December 5. The winner over the two-legged tie will progress – from the preliminary – to the first round of the 2018-19 Total Caf Confederation Cup. Former Vital’O coach, Haringingo, has insisted that Mukura were the better side and “definitely deserved to win” in South Africa but his forwards failed to utilize well their chances in front of Free State Stars goal. “We played well and created some clear chances but failed to utilize them. That’s the order of football but we are contented with the draw, which is not bad,” Haringingo explained. It was Mukura who showed early intent as striker Onesme Twizerimana was trapped off-side as the visitors looked to get an early lead. The second attempt on target came in the ninth minute as Gael Dhayindavyi attempted to score from outside of the box but the Stars keeper denied his effort. Haringingo did not make any change to his starting line-up from their league’s unbeaten run. “But now the pressure will be on us as hosts and Free State are likely going to play an attacking game. We must defend well and attack at the same time,” he added. Mukura had another glorious chance to go ahead after 15 minutes, but Twizerimana’s near-post rebound could not find the back of the net. Just before the break, the hosts almost grabbed the lead as Omar Rwabugiri punched the ball only to ricochet off his own defender back towards the goal, but Iddy Saidi was on hand to clear his lines. Free State Stars controlled the proceedings for much of the second half as the altitude looked to affect the visitors, but failed to capitalise on their increased possession. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
