APR FC begins another quest for continental glory on Saturday September 10, when they welcome Tunisian giants Union Sportive Monastir at the Huye Stadium in the 2022/23 CAF Champions League first round qualifying encounter. US Monastir finished second in the 2022/23 Tunisian Ligue 1 season whereas APR also lifted the Rwandan premier league trophy for the third time in a row. The game at the newly refurbished Huye Stadium promises a lot of fireworks as both teams hope to get to the next stage of Africa’s biggest club competition APR has a better record in CAF Competitions In the history of the CAF Champions League, both teams are yet to make it to the Group stages although comparing their pedigree, APR FC has a better record in CAF Competitions than US Monastir. APR FC reached the semifinals of the then CAF Cup Winners Cup competition two decades ago whereas US Monastir can only boast of a second round berth in the 2020/21 CAF Confederation Cup. Form Guide The Tunisian Ligue 1 is yet to begin for the new season and US Monastir have only played a couple of friendly games. Their last competitive game was in June, when they held CS Sfaxien to a 2-2 draw. APR FC on the other hand have had the luxury of playing competitive games. They locked horns with AS Kigali in the Super Cup a month ago and they have also played one league game against Musanze FC. In all, APR look better equipped than their counterparts in terms of preparations. APR coach has an edge over his Serbian counterpart Serbian tactician Darko Novic took over US Monastir in July 2022 and he is now getting to know his players well. This game may come too early for him to do any magic as he has not gotten ample time to prepare the team. Adil Mohammed who handles APR FC has been at the club for three consecutive seasons and knows virtually everything about the players including their strengths and weaknesses which is a big plus. Rwandan clubs have poor record against North African teams This is the second time in a row a Rwandan team is facing a North African side in a continental competition. In February last year, AS Kigali drew 1-1 with CS Sfaxien at the Kigali Stadium in the CAF Confederations Cup after losing 4-1 in the first leg. On November 28, 2021, APR FC drew goalless with RS Berkane in Kigali and lost the second leg by two goals to one. From this previous outings against North African clubs, APR must aim for a win in the first leg in order to have any chance of progressing to the second round. Adil Mohammed bursting with confidence After his side narrowly missed out in the Group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup last season following a 2-1 defeat to eventual winners RS Berkane, APR coach Adil Mohammed has every right to be confident in his team this year. “We are in good shape individually and collectively, the target is to get positive results in the first leg and finish off in the return leg.” Mohammed said ahead of the game. The Moroccan tactician seems to have learnt his lessons well and will go for a win as it can help his side to put a strong foot forward ahead of the second leg.
