Tanzania’s Young Africans arrived in Kigali Monday night, at 8pm aboard RwandAir from Dar es Salaam, ahead of the second-leg clash against their Group D opponents Rayon Sports in the ongoing 2018 Total CAF Confederation Cup. The Blues host Young Africans on Wednesday at Kigali Stadium in a must-win encounter that would see them booking ticket to the last eight. Any result for Rayon, other than a victory, will see Algeria’s USM Alger and Kenyan champions Gor Mahia through to quarter-finals. Robert Oliveira’s side have been under intensive training since stunning Gor Mahia 2-1 in Nairobi on August 19 and according to the Brazilian tactician, “the players are buoyant to beat Young Africans and register further history in Rwandan football.” However, the eight-time Rwandan champions will be up against the Tanzania heavyweights without some of the club’s kingpins such as skipper Thierry Manzi, Olivier Niyonzima, Christ Mbondi and Yannick Mukunzi – all through CAF suspensions. In another much-awaited Group D fixture on Wednesday, Algerian giants USM Alger will be hosting hopefuls Gor Mahia. The later will be without Rwandan striker Jacques Tuyisenge who hurt his neck during his side’s home loss to Rayon Sports. Should USM Alger beat Gor Mahia in Algeria and Rayon beat Young Africans in Kigali on Wednesday, they will be guaranteed of a spot to quarterfinals of the continent’s seconds biggest club competition. After five match rounds, with one to go, the Blues are placed third with 6 points, two adrift of USM Alger and Gor Mahia who jointly top the table, with 8 points each. Young Africans are locked at the bottom of the group with four points. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
