Police battle AS Kigali

Semi-finals, First legTodayAS Kigali vs Police 3pmTomorrowAPR vs RayonLAST year’s losing finalists Police FC are hoping to continue their recent excellent form when they face AS Kigali this afternoon in the first semi final of the MTN Peace Cup first leg match at Stade de Kigali, Nyamirambo.Enroute to the last four, Police smashed Marines 9-2 on aggregate, while their opponent AS Kigali saw off Mukura 3-2 on aggregate over the two legs.Police’s head coach Goran Kopunovic wants his troops to replicate their recent form in today’s tricky match.Kopunovic said yesterday, “It is going to be a big game for us. AS Kigali are a very good side, young and ambitious, they’d fancy their chances against us, we’ll need to be very careful.”“I have big respect for AS Kigali and expect a real fight from them, but we need to concentrate on ourselves. It will be a different game from the one against Marines, but we want to do well in this competition” he stated.The Serb tactician added, “Regardless of what we expected, we will be ready for the game.” Kopunovic is seeking to become the first coach to lead Police to silverware in the club’s 11-year existence. Police were narrowly beaten to the Primus National Football league title by rivals APR.However, his opposite number, Casa Mbungo of AS Kigali, who has established a formidable youthful side, believes his side have nothing to fear from Police.“I know Police is a good side with quality and experienced players, but we will try to come up with the right formula that can help us to get a good result,” said Mbungo, who helped the Kigali City outfit avoid relegation this season.The second semi final match will pit defending champions against rivals Rayon Sports tomorrow, also at Stade de Kigali.APR easily dispatched second division side SEC Academy with a 5-2 goal aggregate over two legs, while Rayon eliminated SC Kiyovu 3-2.The second leg of the semi final round is set for June 30 and July 1, while the final and third place play-off is set for July 4 at Amahoro stadium.The winner will represent Rwanda in next year’s African Orange Confederation Cup.