As St.George look to end Ethiopia’s long wait

Soccer

Kagame Cup final
Today
Third-place
Atraco vs Sofapaka-3pm

Final (live on SuperSport)
APR vs St. George-5pm

WHETHER APR can go on to win a third regional title or St. George can end Ethiopia’s jinx by coming the first club to lift the title remains to be seen.

The two sides face off this afternoon at Amahoro Stadium in a game that is expected to be fascinating with plenty of fast-attacking football.

APR coach Erik Paske has rallied his guns to keep up with their aggressive approach.

"We have done well with our offensive approach and we don’t intend to change that. If we play the way we did against Simba and Sofapaka, we have a good chance of winning the title,” the Dutch tactician noted.

Paske will however have to do without Albert Ngabo, Elvis Kafoteka and Tchimanga Mutamba who are suspended for the tie.

While St. George’s Serbian coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has utmost respect for APR, he believes his team can prevail.

"APR is a very good side with a rich history but this is a final and it all goes down to who plays the best football on the day,” he said.

"We have had a good run in the tournament; we have been sharp infront of goal and have been solid at the back so we have a good chance,” Sredojevic said.

If recent meetings between the two sides are anything to go by, then St. George will fancy their chances after having the better of the army side early this year.

During APR’s Orange Champions League build up games, the Ethiopians finished top after winning two of the three friendlies.

In Kigali, APR won 1-0 but then lost 2-1 while in Addis Ababa, St. George ran amok with a convincing 3-0 win.
While APR will rely on their in-form Malawi International Chiukepo Msowoya, St. George is hoping Said Salahadin remains sharp as ever.

Salahadin together with Msowoya top the tournament’s scoring charts with six goals each.

APR should also look out for Mohammed Nasser, Elias Mamo, Jean Claude Amougo and Adane Girma, who scored the second goal in St.George’s 3-1 semi-final win over Atraco.

On the contrary, Msowoya, Victor Nyirenda, Haruna Niyonzima and Jean Baptista Mugiraneza are some of the players who will lead the club’s quest for glory.

The final will be preceded with a third place play-off match between Atraco and Kenya’s Sofapaka who were ejected after losing out to APR (1-0). 

The day’s winners will pocket $30,000 while first and second runners-up will walk away with $20,000 and $10,000 respectively courtesy of President Paul Kagame.

Ends