APR carry hope for return leg in Kigali

APR coach Ernest Brandts thinks his team’s work is clearly cut out as they need to win against Tusker in two weeks’ time to progress to the second round of Orange Champions’ League.The Rwandan league champions were held to a goalless draw by their Kenyan opponents at Nyayo stadium in Nairobi. The Dutch coach told Times Sport yesterday that his players did not do themselves any favors by failing to put away the many chances they had against the Kenyan side which spells danger if the latter score in Kigali, then APR have to score twice.“First of all it is good we did not concede any goals but then again we failed to finish off the many chances that we had in the game.“We now have to be extremely careful in the return leg because if Tusker score, then we need to score twice to progress. That is the sort of danger we shall be coming up against,” Brandts said.Another worry for Brandts is the risk of APR players getting injuries while playing for their respective countries in the 2013 African Nations’ tournament next weekend days before the return leg.Nonetheless, the Dutchman remains confident his side will finish the job in Kigali.“We gave our best and a goalless draw gives us advantage. We knew they would attack us from onset but we defended very well. We will now prepare well for the return leg and playing at home will definitely boost our chances.”The 55-year old’s job will be on the line if he does not get a good result against Tusker. Brandts is in the final year of a two-year deal and posted poor performances in the Cecafa cup and CAF Champions league, last year, when the military side failed to beyond the group stages and first round, respectively.APR is already three points adrift of Police going into the second round of the Primus National Football League.

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APR carry hope for return leg in Kigali