APR’s goalkeeping coach Claude Ishimwe believes that their Orange Champions League tie with TP Mazembe on Sunday could have gone either way if it were not for poor officiating by Zambia’s center referee Wellington Kaoma.

While speaking to a local radio station moments after the game, Ishimwe expressed his disappointment with certain decisions by Kaoma.

"It’s very sad that our game was marred by bad officiating. Caf needs to take a close look at the game because personally, I feel there was a lot of injustice,” he said.

"The game was open until the referee made unfair calls to give Mazembe the initiative.” 

APR, who lost out 2-0, finished the game with nine-men following two red cards to skipper Patrick Mafisango and Malawi international Vincent Nyirenda.

Mafisango’s dismissal came in the 40th minute after receiving a second yellow in a space of ten minutes for a deliberate hand ball.

In the second half, Nyirenda followed suit after a second yellow for diving in Mazembe’s penalty box although video footage showed that there was contact from Mazembe’s defender Hichani Himonde.

TP Mazembe skipper and 2009 CAF local African player of the year Tresor Mabi Mputu put his side infront on the 7th minute while Patu Kabangu put the game beyond APR’s reach with a 72nd strike.

The DRC side, who have won the competition thrice are now through to the third round.

The military side jets in this afternoon (1pm) aboard Ethiopian Airways.

Ends