Police FC on the brink

Debutants Police FC face a fight for survival in the Orange CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie against Burundian side Lydia Ludic Academic on Saturday at Stade de Kigali.

Friday, March 01, 2013
Police coach Goran Kopunovic (left) will be hoping that his two key players Meddie Kagere and Peter Kagabo find their top form against LLB. Saturday Sport/ T. Kisambira.

CAF Confederation CupTodayPolice FC     vs     LLB Academic     3pmDebutants Police FC face a fight for survival in the Orange CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie against Burundian side Lydia Ludic Academic on Saturday at Stade de Kigali.The Rwandan side trail 1-0 from the first leg played two weeks ago in Bujumbura, having been expected to build a commanding first-leg lead.  Both teams are playing the competition for the first time.Goran Kopunovic’s team need to win 2-0 to progress to the first round and the Serb tactician is confident. "I am focused on winning the match because our target is to reach the next round. We have what it takes to win in-front of our fans on Saturday.”"We have to take advantage of playing at home, press them from the start and if we can get an early goal, it will help to calm down our nerves and give our fans something to cheer about,” he told Saturday Sport.Kopunovic insists his team has higher chances of eliminating Lydia Ludic Academic to progress to the first round of the 2013 Africa Confederation Cup."It isn’t too complicated to play with just a goal down. We need to score in the return leg and I’m confident we will, but we know how difficult it is going to be,” noted the Serb.LLB Academic, who arrived in the country on Thursday, are eager to extend their perfect start in a bid to reach the first round.Coach Michel Tuhabonye said yesterday, "We will play a good game without any fear or pressure. We played poorly in the first leg but since we have a 1-goal cushion, I think it is not going to be easy for our side.”The winner will play against DR Congo’s DC Motema Pembe in the first round.Early last week Police was eliminated from Peace Cup by AS Muhanga on penalties 5-3, and Goran is sure this will not affect his side.