Rwandans brace for date with history in Bizerte

TUNIS (Reuters) -- Tiny Rwanda, a country once devastated by genocide, will be on the verge of one of the biggest upsets in African Nations Cup history when they face Democratic Republic of Congo in Bizerte on Sunday.

Appearing for the first time in the finals, the nation where millions died amid tribal fighting nine years ago have a real chance of reaching the last eight.

After a narrow 2-1 defeat by Tunisia in their Group A opener, Rwanda drew 1-1 with Guinea and now aim to beat a Congo side who have already lost twice and whose skipper and main striker Lomana LuaLua is suspended.

With Guinea, already on four points, risking defeat by Tunisia on Sunday, Rwanda have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals on goal difference.

The feat would be a remarkable footballing achievement but would also further the reconciliation between Hutus and Tutsis which the national team has come to represent.

Sunday's game can only raise expectations for a side who have already stunned Africa by knocking four-times winners Ghana out of the qualifiers.

Rwanda's Serbian Ratomir Dujkovic coach told Reuters: "They are preoccupied, of course, because they know that only a victory could qualify us. That's the pressure.

"But I've told them, they have nothing to lose and everything to win. We're satisfied with everything that's happened up to now.

CONGO'S LUGGAGE

"We know Congo are a better team than us, but we are playing the card that they no longer have a chance of qualifying, they're preparing their luggage and they're going home. Maybe this is our chance."

As for qualifying, Dujkovic said: "It would be a historic result for the country and I can't believe they would repeat it because they are very poor, there's no infrastructure.

"The small number of quality local players and the six or seven we have in Europe might not be available for the next (Nations Cup) competition.

"But they are very satisfied with that. They know that to already be playing in the competition is something of a miracle for them."

While Congo will miss LuaLua following his red card against Tunisia, Rwanda's scorer against the hosts, midfielder Joao Elias, is also suspended after collecting a second yellow card.

Tunisia, already through to the last eight after trouncing the Congolese 3-0, will want to secure top slot in the group against Guinea.

A draw would satisfy both sides, with Guinea joining Roger Lemerre's men in the quarter-finals.

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