Group A

Saturday Atlabara Vs TP Mazembe 15:30 Rayon Vs KMC 18:00

APR interim coach Jimmy Mulisa has admitted that his strikers have not been ‘sharp enough’ in front of goal so far in the 2019 Cecafa Kagame Cup despite the army side advancing to the quarter-finals with 100 per cent record.

The three-time winners booked their spot in the last eight round on Thursday after edging Somali side Heegan 4-0 at Kigali Stadium, thanks to Dany Usengimana’s brace and goals from Yves Mugunga and Claude Niyomugabo.

Ernest Sugira, the team’s main striker, and Lague Byiringiro have not found the back of the net yet, and so had Usengimana before his stunning double with two minutes on Thursday.

"We are lacking that killer instinct in front of goal. We need to be more clinical, especially in knockout stages,” said Mulisa.

The former APR forward further noted: "When you fail to utilize well your chances in knockouts, the opponent does. I have spoken with my strikers, and urged them to score a goal at least off two chances they get.”

APR, who last won the competition in 2010 when it was also held in Rwanda, reached the last eight with a maximum nine points after winning all their Group C games against Proline, Green Eagles and Heegan. They have scored six goals and are yet to concede.

In the meantime, in-form Rayon Sports wrap up their Group A campaign against Tanzania’s KMC on Saturday, starting 6pm at Kigali Stadium, after winning their first two matches.

Despite having already secured their spot in the next round, the Blues will put up a strong fight in a bid to finish as group leaders, which would see them facing Group B first runners-up in quarter-finals on Tuesday, July 16.

The Rwandan champions, and winners of the 1998 Cecafa Kagame Cup, will represent the country in the 2019/2020 CAF Champions League.

In another Group A clash, DR Congo giants TP Mazembe take on South Sudanese side Atlabara, needing only a draw to seal their slot in the knock-outs. Kick-off 3:30pm.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com