Mulisa banks on experience as APR host Anse Reunion

APR coach Jimmy Mulisa is counting on the experience of midfielder Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, defenders Albert Ngabo, Herve Rugwiro and striker Issa Bigirimana as the military side kick off their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Seychelles side Anse Reunion today.

Sunday, February 11, 2018
APR captain Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza during fridayu2019s training session. APR coach Jimmy Mulisa is banking on his experienced players to navigate past Anse Reunion of Seychelles. Courtesy

APR coach Jimmy Mulisa is counting on the experience of midfielder Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, defenders Albert Ngabo, Herve Rugwiro and striker Issa Bigirimana as the military side kick off their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Seychelles side Anse Reunion today.

Strikers Jean Claude Iranzi and Dominique Savio Nshuti will miss the match because they are not registered for the competition but Mulisa is confident the available players are enough to get a win. 

"Anse Reunion offers a tricky test but we have a good blend of experience and pace in the team to take them on. We have to maintain our confidence and mentality of winning big games like we did in the previous rounds,” the 33 year old said.

If APR eliminates Anse Reunion, they will take on Djoliba of Mali after Liberia’s Elwa United pulled out of the tournament at the last minute due to financial problems.

Anse Reunion coach Ted Esther said that their clash against APR is tough but added that they did some scouting on their opponents and have a game plan for the tie.

"We are aware that it is going to be tough but we also have some information about our opponents who appear to be a top-class side. So we will try to get a positive result in the first leg,” explained Coach Esther.

The return legs the qualifiers are scheduled for February 21 and 22.

The 16-time league title winners did not go past the preliminary round of the Champions League last year, crashing out of the competition at the hands of Zambia’s seven-time league champions Zanaco FC.

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