Ntagwabira expects tough challenge

Semi finals (First leg)WednesdayAS Kigali vs PoliceThursdayRayon vs APRRAYON Sports face a daunting task to go past defending champion APR in the semi finals of this year’s MTN Peace Cup competition, head coach Jean Marie Ntagwabira has acknowledged.The two archrivals face off in the second semi final, first leg on Thursday at Amahoro stadium.However, Ntagwabira, who had successful spells both as a player and coach with APR, admitted yesterday that even though his team managed to clinch a place in the last four at the expense of Kiyovu, they’ll need to double their effort against the holders.“It was tough against Kiyovu and it is good that we have reached the semi finals but I suppose it will be even tougher against APR. They (APR) will have their first choice players back in the team after being rested for their game against SEC in the quarter finals,” explained Ntagwabira.“I expect him (APR coach, Rene Brandts) to field his first team in our game unlike us, who will have to use the same players with tired legs (who played against Kiyovu). “Nonetheless, we shall have to be well prepared for whatever team they put out. It’s going to be an interesting game since both teams know each quite well and both will come out to win,” added the former Rwandan international.Although Rayon reached the last four with a 3-2 goal aggregate over Kiyovu, they will need to find a mechanism of playing the second half as well as the first against the military side.In the quarterfinal ties, Ntagwabira’s team played thrilling first halves against SC Kiyovu but could not maintain the same rhythm in the second half, a feat which almost cost them dearly in the second leg match.The Blues face the military side, who reached the last four with a 5-2 goal aggregate score over second division side SEC academy.In the first semi final, Police will face AS Kigali on Wednesday after thrashing Marines 9-2 on aggregate, while the Kigali City sponsored side ousted Mukura with a 3-0 goal aggregate score over the two legs.The second leg matches will be played on June 30 and July 1, while the final and third place playoff will be held on July 7.