It is do-or-die for APR, says coach

APR FC will have to do what they failed to do in the CAF Champions League first leg to secure a win against Zambian champions Zanaco FC this afternoon in the second leg of the preliminary round at Kigali’s Amahoro National Stadium.

Friday, February 17, 2017
APR's attacking midfielder Djihad Bizimana controls the ball as Mukunzi (#6), Usengimana (#15) and Rugwiro (#4) look on during a past game. / Sam Ngendahimana

TodayPreliminary roundSecond legAPR vs Zanaco 3:30pm

APR FC will have to do what they failed to do in the CAF Champions League first leg to secure a win against Zambian champions Zanaco FC this afternoon in the second leg of the preliminary round at Kigali’s Amahoro National Stadium.

The two teams settled for a barren draw a week ago in Zambia’s capital of Lusaka. However, APR head coach Jimmy Mulisa is optimistic his players are ready to give the visitors a run for their money in what he described as a-do-or-die affair for the 16-time league champions.

"We are going to face a team that can beat any team, but we are ready to do all it takes to progress to the next round,” Mulisa said yesterday.

He added: "We have been working hard for the whole week. We have improved everywhere in the field and I believe we have the game in our hands.”

The Zambians arrived in the country on Thursday afternoon and are staying at Champion Hotel in Remera.

However, Zanaco coach Mumamba Numba also said that, after the stalemate in Zambia, his side remained upbeat and were looking forward to finish the job in Kigali.

"I think we have studied APR enough to beat them and we have a chance to qualify for the next round. We’ve come here to score goals not to defend. We will put them under pressure and after scoring one or two goals we will sit back and defend,” Numba said.

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