Ntagwabira backs APR

Ahead of crucial Champions League tie in Tunisia Friday-2nd legClub Africain vs APR- 6pmSC KIYOVU coach Jean Marie Ntagwabira has backed his former side, APR to wrestle their way past the Tunisian Champions Club Africain in Friday’s crucial Orange Champions League second leg tie in Tunis.

Thursday, March 03, 2011
Jean Marie Ntagwabira guided APR to the third round back in 2004. (File photo)

Ahead of crucial Champions League tie in Tunisia

Friday-2nd leg
Club Africain vs APR- 6pm

SC KIYOVU coach Jean Marie Ntagwabira has backed his former side, APR to wrestle their way past the Tunisian Champions Club Africain in Friday’s crucial Orange Champions League second leg tie in Tunis.

The Primus league champions have a tough mountain to climb as they look to better the first leg result were they were held to a 2-all draw at Amahoro stadium.

However, Ntagwabira, who guided the army side to the competition third round back in 2004, is convinced they can shock the Tunisians if they defend well.

"They have enough experience in the squad to win in Tunisia. Of course the stats are against them but we all know that anything can happen in football,” the 39-year-old said.

APR skipper Mbuyu Twite is also confident of a win against the North African club. The Amavubi international revealed that his teammates will have to work for each other to win the tie.

"To win this game, we need to work for each other and give in 100%,” the center-back added.

The Primus league champions are hoping to repeat last year’s feat when they defied the odds to defeat Angolan side Recreativo de Libolo 1-0 in Luanda after drawing 2-2 in Kigali.

Despite unmatched success on the local and regional scene, APR has come under criticism for failing to transfer that form onto the continental stage.

APR’s squad for the second leg: Jean Luc Ndayishimiye, Jean Claude Ndoli, Jean Claude Iranzi, Joseph Bwalya, Johnson Bagoole, Bebeto Lwamba, Mbuyu Twite, Tchimaga Mutamba Sadi, Serry-Didier Logbo, Ismael Nshutinamagara, Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, Kabange Twite, Elvis Kafoteka, Victor Nyirenda, Haruna Niyonzima, Heriman Ngoma, Donatien Tuyizere and Abbas Rassou.

Ends