RENE Feller has applauded his former side, APR for their spirited display against reigning African champions TP Mazembe.

APR defied the odds on Saturday to record a 1-0 victory over TP Mazembe in the first leg of the Orange Champions League second round.

With the tie seemingly heading towards a goalless draw, Albert Ngabo, who had come on for the injured Abbas Rassou scored a brilliant individual goal on the 88th minute to send the packed Amahoro Stadium into a frenzy.

Feller, who handled the military side during the 2008 season, before retiring due to health complications told Times Sport that he was happy for APR and urged them to maintain their focus ahead of the return leg to be played on the weekend of April 3-4 in Lumumbashi.

"The boys deserve credit for their win. It is never easy winning against the defending champions but they did it in Kigali and can still do it in DRC,” he said.

During Feller’s time at the club, the military side coasted to the MTN Peace Cup title while also reaching the second round of the African Champions League.

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