Kagame Cup quarter finals,
Kigali Regional Stadium, Nyamirambo
Tuesday August 19, 2014
Rayon Sport (Rwanda) vs APR FC (Rwanda) – 5.00pm (6.00pm UG Time)
They are the first games you look for when the fixtures are drawn pre-season. The games you crowd into the local pub with your mates to watch religiously. They are much more than a normal game of football that’s for sure! Derbies!!!
It’s derby in Kigali, Rwanda thanks to the CECAFA Kagame Cup second quarter final that pits local rivals Rayon Sport and current league champions APR FC.
The game comes earlier thanks to APR FC’s 1-0 loss to Ugandan champions KCC FC in their penultimate group B game which ensured they finished second on the log to set a date with arch rivals Rayon Sport who topped group A.
ROAD TO THE QUARTER FINALS:
APR FC: The Rwanda army side opened their campaign with a late 1-0 win against Burundi’s Atletico before earning another 1-0 victory over Djibouti’s Telecom. The two victories were followed by a 2-2 draw to KPL winners Gor Mahia FC and a 1-0 loss to KCC FC.
This earned them seven points out of twelve to finish two behind eventual table leaders KCC FC.
RAYON SPORT FC: The 2012/13 Rwanda champions drew goalless with Vodacom Premier League winners Azam FC before 2-1 win over Adama City was followed by 1-0 victories over KMKM of Zanzibar and South Sudan’s Atlabara FC.
WHAT THE COACHES SAY?
“This is the biggest and most important match for Rayon Sports and their fans in a long time and we have prepared for it in the best way possible. It’s going to be a tough match. It’s important to win this game because we need a win to remain in competition,” APR FC Belgian Coach Jean- Francois Lusciuto said as quoted by Times Sport.
“We want to reach as far as possible in this tournament. We are ready for the game, we’ll be up against tough opponents whom we respect but do not fear. This is an important game for this club and one that we really want to win; hopefully we will win it,” the APR coach Ljubomir Petrovic stressed.
APR FC TEAM NEWS:
APR FC maybe without defender Emery Bayisenge for the clash as he is still nursing an injury he suffered in the 2-2 draw against Gor Mahia FC.
The defender also missed the 1-0 loss to KCC FC. In his place, Michel Rusheshangoga is expected to deputise.
KEY PLAYERS:
The side looks blunt upfront but midfield maestros Andrew Buteera, Jean Claude Iranzi and youthful star Yannick Mukunzi.
Ndahinduka Michel will lead the hunt for goals.
RAYON SPORT TEAM NEWS:
There are no injury worries in the Rayon Sport camp with all players fit and raring to go.
KEY PLAYERS:
Congolese import Govin Mutombo, Hussein Sibomana and Gentil Kambala Salita plus Burundi marauding right back will be key for Rayon Sport if they are to reach the next stage.
The winner of the tie meets Police/Atletico in the semi-finals.