This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
Published on July 12, 2019, Bandari FC, the domestic cup winners, face a must-win game against Azam in today's do or die Group B match at Huye Stadium, in Butare, to qualify for the Cecafa Kagame Cup quarterfinals.
Bandari FC have found themselves in a precarious position after failing to win their two opening matches. They drew 1-1 with leaders and Ugandan champions KCCA in their first match and shared the spoils with Rwandan outfit Mukura Victory Sports (2-2) in their second match.
With the group permutations, desperate Bandari FC face a must-win game against Azam, a side that could progress to the last eight even with a draw depending on the result between KCCA and Mukura at 7 pm.
Bandari FC coach Bernard Mwalala remains optimistic of making it to the quarterfinals despite their winless run in the competition.
"In football, anything is possible. I think mathematically it is still possible to qualify. We have fate in our own hands, so it will be a do or die on Friday," said Mwalala.
Reflecting on their 2-2 draw against Mukura in their last match, Mwalala compared the performance to the ongoing African Nations Cup in Egypt where underdogs have caused a lot of upsets.
He urged his charges to take lessons from the continental showpiece as they lock horns with fancied Azam.
"This is a learning lesson for my players because they underestimated our opponents. We now must do everything possible to improve to get all the three points in our last group match against Azam," said Mwalala.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia captain Haron Shakava will face a late fitness test ahead of Sunday's final Group D match against KMKM, at the Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu.
Today's matches (Group B)
Bandari v Azam-Huye Stadium (4.30pm)
KCCA v Mukura-Huye Stadium (7 pm)
Tomorrow (Group A)
Atlabara v TP Mazembe-Kigali Stadium (4.30pm)
Rayon Sports v KMC-Kigali Stadium (7 pm)
Sunday (Group D)
Gor Mahia v KMKM-Omuganda Stadium (2.30pm)
AS Ports v AS Maniema-Omuganda (4.30pm)
