Poor coordination and marking contributed to a 2-0 defeat of Kagame Cup defending champions Yanga in their Group `A’ match against Atletico of Burundi at the National Stadium yesterday.
Yanga dominated the match in the first round but failed to maintain their pace in the second half, leaving the chance for the youthful Burundian side to totally dominate the game.
In the second half, Yanga who have been boasting of signing good players this season, were totally outclassed. Their players frequently complaining to each other when a foul or danger hovered at their goalmouth.
The result puts their newly-recruited Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet in jeopardy as the game was his first test since he took over the team from native coach Fred Felix Minziro. The two goals were scored by Didier Kavumbagu in the 81st and 94th minutes.
Saintfiet praised Atletico as being a good side. He said that the opponents studied them and used their weakness to win the game. “They are good and I respect them.
In fact, I knew that the match was going to be tough,” the Belgium tactician said.
On his part, the visitors’ coach Kaze Cedric said he was proud of his boys. “The boys have done a good job. If they continue this way they will reach far,” Cedric intoned.
APR of Rwanda hit newcomers El Salam Wau of South Sudan 7-0 in the opening match played on the same ground.
Meanwhile, Yanga archrivals Simba play Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) on the same ground.
Simba won the Friendship Cup on the same ground when they defeated Azam FC at midweek.
