It’s all on the line for APR

Today’s fixtures Recreativo  vs  APR Zanaco   vs  URAIsmaily   vs  Sofapaka Lupopo   vs  Young Africans Al Merreikh  vs  St. George “WE have to give everything if we want to win in Angola,” said APR head coach Erik Paske, ahead of today’s Orange Champions League crunch tie against Angola’s Recreativo de Libolo. APR are looking to better their first leg performance were they were held to a 2-all draw by an under-strength Angolan side.

Saturday, February 27, 2010
APR players celebrate a goal during last yearu2019s league. (File Photo)

Today’s fixtures

Recreativo  vs  APR

Zanaco   vs  URA
Ismaily   vs  Sofapaka
Lupopo   vs  Young Africans
Al Merreikh  vs  St. George

"WE have to give everything if we want to win in Angola,” said APR head coach Erik Paske, ahead of today’s Orange Champions League crunch tie against Angola’s Recreativo de Libolo.

APR are looking to better their first leg performance were they were held to a 2-all draw by an under-strength Angolan side.

Nothing but a win will suffice for the army side to progress to the next round where an even tougher test awaits in TP Mazembe, the reigning African champions.

APR did not make it easy for their confidence on Tuesday after going down 3-0 against St. George in Ethiopia. The match was supposed to deliver a confidence booster result for the army side but to their dismay, it all went wrong for them.

Coming up against a side like Recreativo, who should have some of their top players back, Paske understands that an way win is a big but possible challenge.

"It will not be easy against Recreativo, especially considering the fact that they have some key players back in the side. Still the guys are positive and we believe we have what it takes,” the Dutch tactician was quoted in the Angola media.

However, his opposite number Mario Baretto is confident a goalless or 1-all draw can see off the Rwandan champions.

"We have a slight advantage going into the tie but we are not relaxing. On the contrary, we want to kill off the game as soon as possible,” he was quoted as saying.

"We are all united in a single objective: to win! Thus, we will ensure it a giant step towards achieving a place in the group stage.”

In terms of APR’s team news, Malawi international Elvis Kafoteka, Abbas Rassou, Didier Kapet and Kalisa Mao are all available for today’s tie.

On the local scene, the league continues today with four games on cards. Cash-strapped Mukura battle Rayon Sport at Huye, Police face Etincelles at Nyamirambo’s regional stadium, Kiyovu host Amagaju at Mumena while Marine plays Musanze.

Ends