Rayon coach Masudi eyes group stage ticket despite Rivers Utd defeat

Following their 2-0 defeat to Rivers United in Port Harcourt, the head coach of Rayon Sports of Rwanda Djuma Masudi says his side’s qualification for the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup is still very possible.

In the first leg of the tie on Sunday, goals from Emeka Atuloma and Guy Kuemian gave the Nigeria Professional Football League side an edge over their Rwandan counterparts.

But despite the deficit, Masudi is upbeat about his team’s chances of progressing into the group stage, as the return leg will take place back home at Kigali.

“I have seen the strength and weakness of our opponent and we are going back to prepare well for the return leg with the ticket for the group stage in our minds,” Masudi said to Cafonline.

“When you play matches, you expect a win, draw or loss and I accept that we have lost the first-leg.

“However, this is just the first ninety minutes of the entire encounter as the remaining time will be played in Kigali.

“Anything is still very possible in the return leg.”

Read Also: Confederation Cup: Rivers Utd ahead of Rayon Sports with 2-0 win

Meanwhile Rivers United skipper Festus Austine lamented his team’s inability to score more than two goals in the first leg against Rayon.

He however expressed belief that the Rivers side will complete the effort in the second leg in Kigali.

“We should have scored more goals today to make the return leg in Kigali a mere formality, but I believe we are in the driving seat,” Austin said.

“Our target is to come back from Rwanda with a win and the last ticket for the group stage.

“We played against a very good side but showed character to overcome them which we hope to repeat in a few days.”

The second leg of the tie will be played on April 22 at imposing 30,000 capacity Amahoro Stadium, Kigali, with the winner completing the line-up for the group stage.

 

 

 

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