Preparing against Sudan Premier League giants Al Hilal in the CAF Confederations Cup playoff has got Mukura Victory Sports coach Francis Haringingo worried.
The Rwanda’s Peace Cup champions were drawn against Sudanese giants in the playoffs round of the competition last Friday, and Haringingo, as quoted by Rwanda’s FA portal, said their clash in Khartoum slated for January 11 will be a huge clash for his players.
“It is going to be difficult against Al Hilal, they are a fantastic team – with big history. There is a lot we have to improve if we are to reach the group stage, and that is absolutely what we want,” said Burundian-born tactician Haringingo.
“It’s about the spirit and belief that we can do it. We just have to remain focused, be patient and see how things go. But most importantly, we have to prepare well.”
This is the first time the Huye-based outfit has progressed past the first round of the continent’s second biggest club competition since their 1982 debut.
“If we’re afraid, then why are we going there in the first place? We also have quality players who have shown capacity and quality of facing any team,” he added.
Mukura reached the playoffs round, for a historic first time, after edging out another Sudanese side, Hilal Obayed, 5-4 in penalty shootouts following a goalless draw, in regular time.
The last time that the Peace Cup holders took part in the continental showpiece was in year 2000 where they were knocked out from the first round by Ethiopian side Awassa City.
The play-off round return leg will be staged between January 18-20, 2019 where the winners will advance to the lucrative group stage in February.
