Al Merreikh coach Darko Novic rallies fans as Horoya stand between Sudanese giants and CAF Champions League group stage

Al Merreikh SC head coach Darko Nović has called on supporters in Kigali to rally behind his team as the Sudanese giants attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Horoya AC and secure a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.

Al Merreikh host the Guinean side at Amahoro Stadium on October 24, knowing they must produce a stronger performance in the return leg to keep their continental ambitions alive.

Horoya claimed a narrow advantage in the first leg on October 18 at Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry, with Yakhouba Gnagna Barry scoring shortly before half-time to separate the sides.

Despite the defeat, Nović remains confident his players can reverse the outcome, insisting the team has put the disappointment behind them and is focused on the decisive encounter.

“We will fight together so that the team can win and qualify. But we really need the supporters in Kigali,” Nović said.

The Serbian coach believes the backing of fans could prove crucial as Al Merreikh seek to turn their home fixture in Rwanda into a platform for qualification.

Nović backs players to overturn deficit

Nović acknowledged that his side created opportunities in Conakry but failed to make them count, leaving Horoya with the advantage heading into the second leg.

However, he believes the performance offered reasons for optimism and expects his players to approach the return fixture with greater precision in front of goal.

“The first leg was very competitive and we created chances, but unfortunately we did not convert them. We have another 90 minutes ahead of us and I believe the players have the quality and character to turn the situation around,” he added.

The coach has since shifted his attention to preparing the squad for the challenge, with teamwork, discipline and efficiency expected to play important roles in determining the outcome.

Al Merreikh held a training camp in Cairo, Egypt, before travelling to Guinea for the opening encounter. Their preparations have now centred on ensuring the players are ready to deliver when the two sides meet again.

Nović said the squad understands the significance of the fixture and remains committed to securing a positive result.

“We know the importance of this match and the players understand what is at stake. We have prepared well and everyone is focused on achieving a positive result,” he said.

Kigali fans handed crucial role

Although Al Merreikh are officially the home side for the return leg, the match will take place in Kigali, where the Sudanese club have received support from local football followers.

Nović believes that backing could provide his players with an important psychological boost as they attempt to overturn Horoya’s advantage.

“Playing in Kigali gives us an advantage because we feel at home here. The support from the fans can make a big difference, and we hope they will come in large numbers to push the team towards qualification,” he noted.

The coach’s appeal underlines the importance he places on creating a strong atmosphere for a match that could determine whether Al Merreikh continue their continental campaign.

Two-goal victory needed

Al Merreikh face a straightforward but demanding task: they must win by at least two goals to secure qualification within the regulation 90 minutes.

A one-goal victory would draw the teams level on aggregate and force extra time, with a penalty shootout possible if neither side establishes an advantage.

Horoya, meanwhile, will arrive in Kigali looking to protect their lead and secure progression to the next stage.