Mukura VS players lift their coach Francis Christian Haringingo in jubilations upon sealing qualification to the next round of the CAF Confederations Cup on Saturday
Rwanda’s representatives Mukura VS sealed another milestone as they defeated Sudanese side Al Hilal Obeid 5-4 on penalties to qualify to the play-off round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
With a goalless draw obtained in the first leg, Mukura VS needed a win to proceed to the next round.
However, the Huye-based side wasted several goal scoring opportunities from Ciiza Hussein Betrand Iradukunda, Christophe Ndayishimiye and Onesme Twizerimana.
Al Hilal Obeid also had minimal opportunities in front of Umar Rwabugiri’s goal but could not be utilized with Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed Elnour being the main key striker that wasted some of the clear goal scoring opportunities.
With a barren draw in regular time, penalties were taken to decide the winner and Mukura VS emerged the victor, winning 5-4 to power into the play-off round.
Gael Duhayindavyi, Said Djuma Iddy, Innocent Ndizeye, Onesme Twizerimana and Chistophe Ndayishimiye all converted their penalties while Mukura VS goalie saved Al Hilal Obeid’s Yousif Ibrahim penalty.
The victory has sent Mukura VS to the play-off round, their first historical achievement on the continent. They will face losers of the first round of the Champions League who will drop into the play-off round whose winner will earn an automatic ticket to the lucrative group stage round.
Mukura VS has also emulated their preliminary round performance where they beat South Africa’s Free State Stars 1-0 in the decisive game at Huye Stadium, both sides having played out a 0-0 draw in the first-leg in Johannesburg.
The Huye-based side has gone seven games unbeaten in Azam Rwanda Premier League, the club’s best start to a new season in over two decades.
The Peace Cup holders, Mukura, are taking part in Africa’s second biggest club competition for the first time since 2000 when they were knocked out by Ethiopia’s Awassa City in the first round.
CAF Confederation Cup
First Round, Return Leg
Saturday Results
Mukura VS 0-0 Hilal Elobeid (Agg. 0-0)
Mukura VS through to the next round after winning 5-4 on penalties
Mtibwa Sugar 1-2 KCCA FC (Agg. 1-5)
Elgeco Plus 0-3 Kaizer Chiefs (Agg. 0-6)
