Quarter-finals

Sunday

APR FC Vs Young Africans (at Amaan Stadium)

Kickoff: 7:15 PM

APR FC take on Tanzanian powerhouse Young Africans in a mouthwatering quarter final encounter taking place at Amaan Stadium on Sunday, January 7.

Thierry Froger’s side finished third in Group B with four points from a win, a defeat and a draw which was against Tanzania’s Simba SC as the pair’s clash ended goalless at Amaan Stadium on Friday, January 5.

They now face an uphill task to knock Young Africans out of the competition to keep their hopes of winning the title in their debut appearance at Mapinduzi Cup.

The match kicks off at 7:15 p.m. Kigali Time.

It’s of course an ‘uphill task’ to eliminate a team which is seen among favorites to win the title, having finished at the top of Group C standings after going unbeaten in the group stages.

But, with fan’s backing, APR midfielder Dieudonne Ndayishimiye believes his side can overcome the 2022/23 CAF Champions League finalists and qualify for the semifinals.

"We need the fans to come as many as possible and support us when we play against Young Africans . We value our fans and allying behind us during the match will boost the advantage we already have – we take them as one of us especially during big games,” Ndayishimiye said.

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"We have a good team which can challenge anyone. We showed that against Simba and we are capable of doing the same against Young. We will improve in the quarterfinals."

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"Young Africans are bigger, stronger so we need to be ready for the game, they’re more experienced than us but that doesn’t mean we can’t go in the game and win. That is one we must win and I’m confident we will, although we’re very much aware of what our opponents are capable of," he added.

Mapinduzi Cup is an annual competition which forms part of the anniversary celebrations of the Zanzibar Revolution, which expelled the Sultan from power on January 12, 1964.

Tanzanian side Azam FC are the most decorated club in the competition with a record five titles.