What: CAF U-23 Championship Qualifiers Second Round Return leg (Kobs lead 2-1)
When: Saturday May 30, 2015 @ 4.00pm
Where: Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium
Uganda Kobs will be out complete the job at Nakivubo when they host Rwanda’s U-23 in the CAF U-23 Championship qualifiers on Saturday afternoon.
The Kobs won the first leg 2-1 at Amahoro stadium, Kigali thanks to goals from Farouk Miya and Muzamir Mutyaba strikes but despite the advantage, midfielder Keziron Kizito feels the job is undone.
“The game is far from over,” Kizito said. “There is no room for complacency and given that we are at home, we’ll be under pressure to perform but we are ready to battle,” he added.
Rwanda stand in tactician Vincent Mashami is optimistic that his side can overturn a first leg deficit at Nakivubo.
“We have hope that we can overturn the first leg result. When I look back at the first leg game, even if we lost, we created several goal scoring chances but we were unable to make them count even though we scored one.”
Uganda Kobs Team News: Right fullback Joseph Nsubuga (ankle) and striker Umar Kasumba (arm) are already ruled out of the clash. The camp has however been boosted by the arrival of defender Richard Kasagga from Lebanon and striker Yunus Sentamu who plies his trade with Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien with the duo most likely to fill the void.
How will The Kobs Line up?
Uganda Kobs’ first leg starting XI
Jamal Salim is expected to maintain his slot in goal and so is Brian Ochwo at left back. It’s at right and centre back where Micho remains puzzled with Nsubuga out of the tie. Micho has options in Richard Kasagga, Deus Bukenya, Ibrahim Kiyemba and Shafiki Bakaki with the latter three able to play at right back. However, it’s Bakaki who is expected to start at right back with Kasagga and Kiyemba pairing at the heart of defence.
In midfield, Derrick Tekkwo’s performance in Kigali earns him a slot as the anchorman alongside Keziron Kizito but Tom Masiko is likely to give way to Muzamir Mutyaba who impressed when he came on and took control of proceedings in the middle of the pack before scoring the winner.
Upfront, the Serb is likely to maintain the attacking trio of John Semazzi, Farouk Miya and Erisha Ssekisambu though the availability of Yunus Sentamu may force a change.
Probable XI:
Jamal Salim (GK), Shafiki Bakaki, Richard Kasagga, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Brian Ochwo, Derrick Tekkwo, Keziron Kizito, Muzamir Mutyaba, Farouk Miya, John Semazzi and Erisha Ssekisambu.
One to Watch – Farouk Miya: The team captain is by far the most consistent player on the side. A hard work and an inspiration to the side, Miya’s ability to score that odd goal as witnessed in Kigali will be key.
His expertise from dead balls will be crucial for a side that creates less in open play.
Rwanda U-23 Team News:
The side travelled minus head Coach Johnny McKinstry who is away on a UEFA Coaching course leaving the work to assistant Vincent Mashami and former Cranes goalie Ibrahim Mugisha.
First choice goalie Olivier Kwizera (swollen ankle) is out of the tie and didn’t travel with the team to Kampala.
How will the Rwanda U-23 line up?
Not so many changes are expected from the team that lost 2-1 at home but Police FC custodian Marcel Nzarora will replace Kwizera in goal.
Skipper Emery Bayisenge and APR teammate Faustin Usengimana are expected at the centre back with Michel Rusheshangoga and Javier Mutijima playing at right and left fullback respectively.
In central midfield, Yannick Mukunzi will partner former Proline midfielder Andrew Buteera while Djihad Bizimana and Dominique Savio Nshuti are expected on the wide side of attacking areas whilst Isaie Songa and Bertrand Iradukunda lead the line.
Rwanda Probable XI:
Marcel Nzarora (G.K),Michel Rusheshangoga , Emery Bayisenge (C), Faustin Usengimana, Javier Mutijima, Djihad Bizimana, Andrew Buteera, Yannick Mukunzi , Bertrand Iradukunda, Isaie Songa and Dominique Savio Nshuti.
Man to Watch – Andrew Buteera
If Rwanda is to overturn a 2-1 deficit, then Buteera must be the man to inspire such a comeback. The midfielder took control of proceedings at Amahoro a week ago but his delayed decision making at times called for boos from the home fans. Nevertheless, his no look pass assisted Savio Nshuti’s only goal for the Junior Wasps.
FACTS:
- Rwanda U-20 beat Uganda Hippos 2-0 at Nakivubo in a friendly match in 2012. Emery Bayisenge, Michel Rusheshangoga, Faustin Usengimana and Robert Ndatimana who are part of the side were part of the Rwanda team.
- Uganda Kobs failed to score in their previous game at Nakivubo. They drew 0-0 with Mozambique before losing on penalties in the All Africa Games qualifiers.
- Uganda and Rwanda have never played at the Olympic Games finals and are seeking their maiden appearance at the competition.
PREDICTION:
The Rwanda side are keen to overturn a 2-1 loss but it will be a difficult task altogether at Nakivubo. With pressure on the hosts, Rwanda can afford to play their tik taka game and possibly earn a decent result.
However, I don’t see them beating Kobs at home.
Uganda Kobs 1-1 Rwanda U-23
