Brandts bouyed by APR’s Caf progress

Been there before:APR through to the next roundAPR’s Dutch coach Ernie Brandts has expressed satisfaction with his team’s progress to the next round of the 2012 Orange Caf Champions League.The Rwandan league champions beat Kenyan side Tusker 1-0 at Amahoro stadium on Sunday to advance 1-0 on aggregate and book a place in the 1/16th round where they will face Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia.Burundian international Papy Faty scored a volley in the 63rd minute that eliminated the resilient Kenyan side from the African Champions League. Both teams had drawn 0-0 in the opening leg a fortnight ago in Nairobi.The Dutchman told Times Sport after the resounding victory that his team performed as expected.“I’m impressed with the output of my players. They played very well and had to be tactically alert throughout the match to overcome Tusker.“They were strong in the first half but we were in control in the second. From here, I would like my team to have the focus to do as good as they can in Africa. “We want to reach the group stage and drive away from the traditional early elimination,” said Brandts.Brandts added that they are looking forward to the next stage where they are due to face 2007 Champions league winner, Etoile Sportive du Sahel from Tunisia.“Etoile Sportive du Sahel is an experienced side in this competition. North African teams are always difficult to play against. We will step up our preparations for the huge task ahead,”“The next stage will certainly be more difficult and we will work towards that,” Brandts said.APR remains the only Rwandan side competing in the continental club championship following the elimination of SC Kiyovu from the Orange Caf Confederation Cup.Meanwhile, former winners Orlando Pirates of South Africa went out of the African Champions League on Saturday at the first round stage, humbled by Angolan side Recreativo de Libolo.Tipped as potential champions before the first round kicked off two weeks ago, the Johannesburg club suffered a shock 3-1 defeat in the home leg. They fared a little better in the return leg, drawing 1-1, but left themselves with too much to do and went out 4-2 on aggregate.Pirates were one of two former champions in action. The other was Cairo-based Zamalek, who squeezed through 2-1 on aggregate against Young Africans of Tanzania.Ahmed ‘Mido’ Hossam, was available after a lengthy lay-off, and it was his goal just past the half hour mark which decided the tie. The teams had tied 1-1 in Dar es Salaam.Young Africans played much of the second half with ten men after defender Abuu Ubwa was sent off.It could have got worse as the world’s most capped international, Ahmed Hassan, had the chance to make it 2-0 for Zamalek but missed a 79th minute penalty.

Sports

Brandts bouyed by APR’s Caf progress