Wanga’s El Merreikh, APR battle for Cecafa title

Cecafa Allan Wanga of El-Merreikh contests against William Wadri (R) of KCCA during their Cecafa Kagame Club Cup 2014 semi finals match at Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo on August 22,2014.El Merreikh won 3-0 on post match penalties. Photo/Stafford Ondego/www.pic-centre.com/CECAFA (RWANDA)

History has little importance in determining the outcome of a football match, especially a final.

However, it is the only hope Rwanda’s APR will hang on as they face Sudan’s El Merreikh of Sudan in today’s finals of the Cecafa Kagame Club Cup at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium, knowing their past three title wins were achieved here.

APR edged out countrymen Police in a 4-2 penalty shoot-out while El Merreikh got the better of Uganda’s KCCA, also from spot kicks to earn a 5-2 win after they tied 2-2 in normal and extra time.

There is often a belief that cup semis are more entertaining than the actual showpiece, that the trailer is better than the feature film.

“The outcome of the final not withstanding, my players have gone on to prove our critics wrong,” El Merreikh coach Yousief Burhaneldin said. “APR will have the home fans support, but I believe in the quality of our game.”

APR have won the cup three times, all on home soil in 2004, 2007 and 2010.

“I have a feeling we will be crowned champions again,” APR’s assistant coach Vincent Mashami said. “Luck has been on our side and although sometime we have not played to our full potential, we have been able to grind out a result to get to the finals.

In the Friday night semi, APR scored their penalties through Ismael Nshutinamara, Yannick Mukunzi, Patrick Sibomana and Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza.

Police Jacques Tuyisenge and Jimmy Mbaraga had their spot kicks saved by impressive goalie Olivier Kwizera, while Jerome Sina, Mossa Habimana converted.

Police coach Andre Cassa Mbungo introduced goalkeeper Steven Ntalibi in the place of Marcel Nzarora as the shootouts approached, reminiscent of Luis van Gaal substitution at the World Cup quarters, but the substitute custodian managed to save only one kick.

But Kenyan international Allan Wanga, who has shaken off an ankle injury that saw him limited to the bench against Azam, is relishing the challenge at hand.

“We started playing poorly as we arrived, because we have hardly been together back in Khartoum,” Wanga said.

“The club bought several new players, but that rhythm is kicking in and we have now got our game.”

Rwanda President Paul Kagame will grace the final and Cecafa President Leonard Tenga confirmed Kagame will hand over the winner’s trophy to the best team.