CAF Confederation Cup: Four things we learnt from AS Kigali draw with Al Nasr
Monday, October 10, 2022
A player of Libyan side, Al Nasr holds off AS Kigali skipper Haruna Niyonzima during the CAF Confederation first leg tie which ended in a goalless draw on Saturday at Huye stadium. / Courtesy

AS Kigali were held to a goalless draw at home on Saturday, October 8, by Libyan outfit Al Nasr in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the 2022/23 CAF Confederation Cup.

It was a game which saw the hosts missing lots of chances as they couldn't turn their dominance into goals.

Times Sport takes a look at four things we learnt from the encounter.

AS Kigali's attack has been disappointing

Shaban Hussein has been a pale shadow of himself for the City of Kigali sponsored club in the CAF Confederation Cup. The striker has been banging in goals since the 2021 season but when it comes to African club competitions, he has been poor.

In three CAF Confederation Cup games he failed to score and, over the weekend, he missed glaring chances as his side drew.

Man Ykre who was signed in the June 2022 transfer window also failed to live up to expectations.

AS Kigali needs to tighten up at the back

Despite dominating possession, AS Kigali could have still lost the game due to poor defending.

Their back four were so jittery. They made serious mistakes in the course of the game. AS Kigali were lucky not to have conceded a 93rd minute goal on Saturday.

Rashid Kalisa remains AS Kigali's best player in midfield

Rashid Kalisa was among the brightest spot in the AS Kigali team on Saturday. His passes and ability to move forward to support the attack from central midfield was top-notch.

Kalisa was the pivot of the AS Kigali team as he kept them going.

Al Nasr showed signs of brilliance

Despite AS Kigali dominating the game, Al Nasr looked very dangerous on the break.

They played a tactical game which involved soaking pressure and hitting AS Kigali on the counter and it worked perfectly for them.