RWANDA’s quest to win a second regional title has been placed under early threat as they have been drawn against not so strong but tricky teams in Group C.
During the Cecafa Challenge Cup draw held in Kampala, Uganda yesterday, Amavubi Stars were drawn against Zanzibar, Eritrea and guest team Malawi.
Hosts Uganda were drawn in the ‘group of death’ against next year’s Africa Nations’ cup participant Ethiopia, rivals Kenya and debutants South Sudan.
Group B has Sudan, Tanzania, Burundi and Somalia. The group winners plus two best qualifiers from all the groups will qualify to the quarterfinals.
Talking to Times Sport yesterday, Amavubi head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojovic said, “We have the trickiest group in the tournament. It will be three tough games for us.”
“It is going to be tougher than last year. Malawi is very competitive. For the past two years, they have been on brink of qualifying to African Cup of Nations only to lose to Tunisia and Ghana.
“Zanzibar might be seen as a not so strong team but when they get to the field, they are damn hard to break and Eritrea will all be out for revenge after we eliminated it from 2014 World Cup qualifiers,” expiated the Serbian.
Amavubi open their campaign against Malawi on November 26; face Zanzibar on November 29 before winding up against Eritrea on December 1. All matches will be played at Namboole national stadium.
Rwanda last won the title in 1999 when the tournament was first held in Kigali. Rwanda B beat Kenya 3-1 in the final at Amahoro stadium.
Last year, Rwanda lost to Uganda in a post-match penalty shoot-out after Cranes came twice from behind to tie 2-2 after 90 minutes.
Full Draw
Group A: Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan
Group B: Sudan, Tanzania, Burundi, Somalia
Group C: Rwanda, Malawi, Zanzibar, Eritrea
Rwanda’s Fixtures
Nov. 26
Rwanda vs Malawi
Nov. 29
Zanzibar vs Rwanda
Dec 1
Rwanda vs Eritrea