Africa-Press – Rwanda. Peace Cup semi-finals first leg
Tuesday
Etincelles FC Vs Etincelles FC (Umuganda Stadium)
Kick-off: 15:00CAT
APR FC travel to Rubavu determined to bounce back against Etincelles FC when the two sides meet in the first leg of the Peace Cup semi-final at Umuganda Stadium on Tuesday.
APR reached the semi-finals after a convincing 4–1 aggregate victory over Gasogi United, while Etincelles progressed by defeating Bugesera FC on penalties following a 1–1 aggregate draw in the quarterfinals.
The tie comes just days after Etincelles secured a narrow 2–1 league win over APR on April 18, adding extra intensity to the Peace Cup encounter.
Etincelles head coach Abdu Bekeni Bizimana, known for his outspoken nature, said he has utmost respect for APR but warned that his side is capable of causing another upset at home.
“I know they are a strong team and, after we beat them in the league, they will come here like wounded lions, but we will be ready,” Bizimana said.
“We will approach this match differently from the league, but our objective remains the same—to win. Nothing changes on our side.”
APR head coach Abderrahim Taleb said his team has put the recent league defeat behind them and is fully focused on the cup clash.
However, he voiced concern over the club’s demanding schedule, which he believes is affecting performance.
“We don’t have problems with our quality, but this season we are playing almost three matches every week,” Taleb said.
“We are preparing for the Peace Cup semi-final against a team that beat us just days ago, then shortly after we have another league match, followed by the return leg. That’s four games in one week.”
“But we will keep working hard and be ready for every match,” he added.
The winner of the tie will face either Rayon Sports or Gorilla FC, who meet in the other semi-final.
The Peace Cup winners will represent Rwanda in the CAF Confederation Cup.
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