Taonga Bwembya scored the only goal of the game as Zambia’s flag bears, Zanaco FC beat Rwanda’s APR FC 1-0 in the 2017 CAF Champions League at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali yesterday evening.
Having played to a barren draw in the first leg away in Lusaka, the bankers of Zambia subsequently move to the first round of the continental showpiece where they will face the other preliminary victor Young African of Tanzania who beat Comoros champions Ngaya on the same day.
Following a rather cagey stanza, Zanaco’s goal came from a free kick taken sixteen minutes into the opening half. Bwembye stepped up and curled in the ball from 33-yards out of the box despite APR’s Emery Mvuyekure getting his fingertips on the ball.
Zanaco’s midfielder Augustine Mulenga had a chance to double the visitors lead soon after 14 minutes but APR’ backline of Herve Rwgwiro and Michel Rusheshangoga continued to remain firm.
APR’s midfielder Yannick Mukunzi had a clear opportunity to level the matters when he was left alone with the keeper but his shot was well saved by Zanaco’s Rachar Kola who was later yellow carded 11 minutes before the final whistle.
APR coach Jimmy Mulisa made all three substitutions bringing on Onesme Twizerimana for Amran, Fiston Nkinzingabo for Innocent Habyarimana in the 66th minute while Maxime Sekamana was swapped for Patrick Sibomana in the 88th minute. Zanaco head coach Numba Mumamba brought in Attram Kwame for Kennedy Musona in the 58th minute.
In the end, the Zambian bankers who were away from home had just done about enough to secure three points as they now look forward to home and away matches with Yanga Africans next month.
Zanaco Fc squad:
Rachar Kola, Ziyo Tembo, George Chilufya, Fashon Junior Sakala,, Augustin Mulenga,Taonga Bwembya, Attram Kwame, Chongo Chirwa, Keneddy Musonda, , Boyd Siame Musonda, Boyd Musonda
APR Fc Squad:
Emery Mvuyekure, Michel Rusheshangoga, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Herve Rugwiro, Amran Nshimiyimana, Maxime Ssekamana, Yannick Mukunzi, Djihad Bizimana, Issa, Bigirimana, Patrick Sibomana, Yves Kimenyi.
