[PHOTOS]: APR crash out of CAF Champions League

APR are out of the CAF Champions League after losing 1-0 to Zambia’s seven-time league champions in the return leg of the preliminary round yesterday at Amahoro national stadium.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Geoffrey Asiimwe

APR FC striker Bigirimana Issa (L) fights for the ball with Zanaco FC skipper Rachar Kola at Amahoro Stadium. (Photos by Timothy Kisambira)

APR 0-1 Zanaco (*Aggregate 0-1)

APRare out of the CAF Champions League after losing 1-0 to Zambia’s seven-time league champions in the return leg of the preliminary round yesterday at Amahoro national stadium.

Taonga Bwembya scored the lone goal to guide his side to the first round of the 53rd edition of Africa’s premier club football tournament.

After a barren draw in Lusaka one week ago, APR entered this game knowing that winning this game by any scoreline would see them advance to the next round, however Jimmy Mulisa’s side did everything but score

Despite being the visitors, Zanaco looked very confident and dominated the first half creating several chances.

APR FC players feel dejected after the final whistle at Amahoro Stadium.

The Zambian champions broke the deadlock in the 17th minute through a direct free kick from the right wing after left back Emmanuel Imanishimwe fouled winger Fashion Sakala.

Bwembya perfectly curled in the ball past goalie Emery Mvuyekure who could not do much to deny his effort hence handing APR an uphill task i.

APR that looked very sloppy gave Zanaco defense almost nothing to worry as they failed to create any clear cut chance in the first half.

APR skipper Rusheshangoga Michel (L) fights for the ball with Zanaco defender Fashion Sakala at Amahoro Stadium.

As expected Jimmy Mulisa had to make changes in the second half to empower his striking force hence replacing midfielder Amran Nshimiyimana with former AS Kigali striker Onesme Twizerimana.

With this change, APR became more aggressive searching for an equalizer however Zanaco remained a more dangerous side in front of the goal whenever they could make a counter attack.

In the 56th Zanaco came close to doubling their lead after midfielder Saith Sakala’s header from a corner hit the goal post.

APR’s first clear chance came in the 75th through a free kick outside the box that was taken by Patrick Sibomana but unfortunately went few inches above the woodwork.

APR continued to press for a goal and in the 80th minute Yannick Mukunzi had another perfect chance for a goal after a spectacular footwork from APR attacking force but his weak shot was easily stopped by Zanaco fc goalie Mangani Banda.

Zanaco FC defender Fashion Sakala blocks APR skipper Rusheshangoga Michel’s shot at Amahoro Stadium.

APR skipper Rusheshangoga Michel (L) protects the ball from Zanacon FC defender Fashion Sakala. APR lost 1-0 .

Zanaco FC George Chilufya jumps to head away the ball from APR FC striker Bigirimana Issa.

Zanaco FC midfielder Augustine Mulenga dribbles the ball past APR FC winger Sekamana Maxime at Amahoro Stadium.

Zanaco FC skipper Rachar Kola tackle APR FC striker Bigirimana Issa at Amahoro Stadium.

A photographer takes a picture during the match between APR FC and Zanaco FC

Zanaco will now play Young Africans of Tanzania in the first round.

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