APR FC took a giant step towards qualifying for the next round of the 2022/23 CAF Champions League second round preliminary stage after defeating US Monastir by a lone goal to nothing at the Huye Stadium on Saturday. It was a great performance from the Rwandan champions although they could just manage a single goal in the game they hugely dominated. Times Sport takes a look at four things we learnt from the first leg encounter. APR played as a team This was a massive improvement from their last two competitive games against AS Kigali and Musanze FC as the army club looked well organised. From defense, midfield and attack, APR were very solid as they played with good telepathy from the start of the game to the end. They outplayed their opponents and should have even buried them by an avalanche of goals. Mugunga Yves can play as a lone striker Striker Yves Mugunga was fantastic when he was left on his own upfront in a 4-2-3-1 formation. His hold up play, ability to take the ball and run at defenders as well as his predatory instincts were very commendable on the day. Mugunga was just unlucky to have netted just one goal as he could have banged in a brace. The US Monastir keeper pulled an extraordinary save to deny him the second goal in the second half. It is evident that Coach Adil Mohammed has finally learnt how to use Mugunga effectively. Ruboneka and Mugisha bossed midfield The pair were among the best performers in the game. Ruboneka and his midfield partner Bonheur Mugisha were unplayable in the middle of the pitch as they ran the show on their own. They complimented the effort of each other very well and worked as a unit. They broke up the play of AS Monastir, sprayed passes to every corner of the field and protected the back four so well. Monastir looked rusty It was clear that US Monastir had not played a competitive game for long as they looked very rusty in the encounter. Most of their players looked very lethargic throughout the match as they could not give APR the needed stiff challenge. The Tunisian league will begin on September 30 and this is having an adverse effect on Monastir as they lack match fitness. APR on the other hand are well equipped in terms of physique because the Rwandan Premier League has begun.
