Football: Caf Confederation Cup – preliminary round second leg |20 February 2018

Anse Réunion have big mountain to climb against APR

Anse Réunion have a big mountain to climb in today’s second leg fixture of the preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup after losing 0-4 away to APR on Sunday February 4.

This afternoon’s match is at Stad Linite and kickoff is at 5.30pm, but Anse Réunion will travel to Mahe this morning

Anse Reunion held their last training session ahead of the match yesterday afternoon on La Digue and coach Ted Esther told Sports NATION that his team need to play a match of epic proportions to reach the Caf Confederation Cup first round following the 0-4 drubbing.

“It is going to be a big mountain to climb after going down 0-4 in Kigali. At the moment it is hard to see a comeback as we have seen our opponents play and they apply themselves very well. If we do things as we need to we can at least get a win in front of local football fans although it is going to be difficult to overcome the four-goal deficit,” coach Esther told Sports NATION in a telephone interview.

The Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) team arrived in the country on Sunday confident that they will stage a repeat of their first leg feat against Anse Réunion.

In the first leg at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, APR beat Anse Réunion 4-0 in front of their fans. Midfielder Djihad Bizimana, 21, netted in the 12th, 70th and 90th minutes while Isaa Bigirimana scored the other goal in the 78th minute, as the military side ensured a bright start to their continental campaign.

APR only need to make sure that they don't lose by over four goals today in order to eliminate Anse Réunion.

"We are aware of the task that awaits us against Anse Réunion, it is a half done job but we are well prepared. We will do everything possible to win the game. I am convinced this team has the potential to win," said coach Jimmy Mulisa.

Kenyans Anthony Ogwayo, Oliver Odhiambo and Stephen Yiembe will officiate the game.

Should APR progress from this round, they will face Djoliba of Mali who qualified for the next stage without kicking a ball after Liberia's Elwa United pulled out of the tournament at the last minute due to financial problems.

G. G.