Semi final, todayEl Merreikh vs APR 3.30pmAL FASHER. Despite coming up against home side El Merreikh Al Fasher, three-time winners APR will be favourites to reach the final of this year’s Cecafa Kagame Club Championships.The two teams were in Group A and drew 1-1; however, with stakes higher in today’s clash, the Rwandan side will be looking to avoid another semi-final setback similar to what happened to them last year in Dar es Salaam when they lost to eventual winners Young Africans 1-0. The 13-time Rwandan league champions face a similar situation in Al Fasher as they must overcome the hosts, who are backed by passionate Darfurian fans.Coach Andreas Spier knows his opponent very well and will be hoping his young troops utilise their chances correctly to achieve their target of reaching the final.He told Times Sport after yesterday’s training at Al Fasher University, “The semi-final match against El Merreikh will be a tough one. They are the home team and will be supported by their fans including the Governor but we are determined to achieve out target.”The German-born tactician will be without two of his first choice players Jean Claude Iranzi and Tumaine Ntamuhanga, who are nursing back and ankle injuries respectively.The APR backline will also have to be at their best to keep the Nigerian duo of William Adams, David Nwonsou and Ugandan Joseph Kabagambe at bay if they hope to step foot in Tuesday’s final.Coach Mohsen Sied Osman is very confident of edging APR to register their maiden Kagame Cup final in the history of the regional club tournament.El Merreikh Al Fasher also won an epic battle with another Sudan side, the experienced Al Ahly of Shandy City in Nile State to the north of the country.
