APR seek to overturn Al Ahly lead in Caf tie

Orange Caf Champs league (April 4, Petro Sport stadium) Al Ahly vs APR (2-0 *aggregate) Rwandan league champions APR are seeking to overturn a two-goal deficit when they face Al Ahly in the return leg of the Caf Champions League first round tie at the Petro Sport stadium on Saturday in Egypt. APR head coach Dusan Duje Suljagic is optimistic that his side can eliminate the eight-time continental champions who will be playing at home in a stadium without any fans following a recent decree by the Egyptian FA to ban fans from football games after 25 fans were killed during a clash between police and fans after a high profile game between Zamalek and ENPPI last month. The Serbian tactician told Times Sport that, “The players are mentally strong and have self belief and with this we shall look to score in the first 20 minutes and then we can pick it from there. For me the game will start at 0-0 and then we shall see how it progresses.” Suljagic admitted that the army side made some mistakes in the first leg tie at Amahoro stadium more than a week ago but he believes that a lot has improved since. Dependable players like goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera, defenders Emery Bayisenge, Ismael Nshutiyamagara, Michel Rusheshangoga, midfielders Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, Jean Claude Iranzi, Yannick Mukunzi, Patrick Sibomana and striker Bertrand Iradukunda who returned from national team duty yesterday from Lusaka are expected to rest today and join the rest of the team in training tomorrow in Egypt. The rest of the team will attend training this morning at the Ferwafa ground before leaving for Cairo in the evening. No Rwandan side has won a continental encounter in Egypt in both the Caf Champions League and Caf Confederations Cup. However, Zamalek defeated APR 3-2 in the first leg of the 2004 Caf Champions League first round tie but the army side thrashed the Egyptians 4-1 in Kigali to eliminate them and proceed to the second round. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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APR seek to overturn Al Ahly lead in Caf tie