CAF Conf Cup: Rayon seek first win against Gor Mahia

Sunday Group D Gor Mahia Vs Rayon Sports Young Africans Vs USM Alger Rayon Sports takes on Kenyan champions Gor Mahia in CAF Confederation’s Group D at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, seeking to win and keep alive the hopes of reaching the last eight of the tournament. Roberto Oliveira Goncalves de Calmo’s side are third-placed with three points, while Gor Mahia are joint group leaders with USM Alger with 8 points each. In another Group D game, Tanzania’s Young Africans host Algerian giants USM Alger. Struggling Young Africans are bottom of the group with one point. The eight-time Rwandan champions face in-form Gor Mahia without three key players; Chris Mbondi, Yannick Mukunzi and Kassim Ndayisenga – all serving a three-match ban. The Blues’ Brazilian coach says his team will be looking for nothing less than six points from the remaining two games, starting today, before taking on Young Africans in Kigali on August 29, at Kigali Stadium. “We need to win our remaining games, and hope Gor Mahia lose theirs. There is a possibility we can finish second, we are ready and determined to do everything possible to achieve it. It has been a bumpy ride for us, but we need to finish on a high,” Goncalves said “After having a terrible season at home this year, including failing to win the Peace Cup last week, we have a chance to make everything right by performing well and getting good results against Gor Mahia and Young Africans. We must give our best.” He added. Rayon will be looking for first victory in the group stage after recording three draws and one defeat in the last four matches. The two sides played out a 1-all draw in their first-leg clash in March. While it will be a now-or-never encounter for Roberto Oliveira’s side, a draw will be enough for the Kenyan champions to seal a slot and qualify for the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has slapped Rayon Sports with a $3000 fine for delaying to confirm their arrival date in Kenya. This is the third time CAF has sanctioned Rayon Sports since reaching the group stages of the Total Confederation Cup. The club has paid up to $ 38,000 in fines. editorial@newtimes.co.rw