Africa-Press – Rwanda. APR FC and Rayon Sports resume their fierce rivalry at Amahoro Stadium on Sunday, March 9 in a potential Rwanda Premier League showdown.
There is just two points separating the two teams prior to the derby as Rayon sit top of the table with 42 points, with APR trailing in 2nd place with 40 points.
Despite their slow start to the season, which includes forfeit loss against Gorilla FC after exceeding the foreign players’ quota, APR have recently regained their rhythm in the title race and a win on Sunday would see them go at the top of the league table for the first time this season.
Rayon despite their good start has been out of power recently. Their leading striker Fall Ngagne who is on top of the goal king race with 13 goals is out for the rest of the season.
The Blues also missed their skipper Kevin Muhire for three weeks. He just returned for the Peace Cup quarterfinals second leg game against Gorilla in which they won 1-0. He is now fully fit and will face APR
Games between the two teams is among the biggest derbies in East Africa. It’s a game in which players can attain cult status, be heroes or end up being villains.
Times Sport takes a look at five players who could potentially decide the game.
Kevin Muhire (Rayon Sports)
The Blues skipper leads the assists charts in the league, having provided 11 assists in 17 league games he has played this season.
Muhire is the talisman of the side and, when he is on the pitch, Rayon play well and with so much confidence.
In his absence, Rayon struggled to win games and his impact was felt against when he returned midweek to help the team defeat Gorilla FC 1-0 in the Peace Cup quarterfinals second leg.
Muhire is not a goal scorer, but an assist specialist. If Abeddy Biramahire and his attacking partners are clinical on Sunday, Rayon can win the day through his magical passes.
Djibril Ouatarra (APR)
APR FC had been poor in attack until the arrival of the Burkinabe attacker in January. He has already hit the ground running with 3 goals in 4 league games.
In an interview with Times Sport earlier this week, Ouatarra said that he has already been briefed about the rivalry between the two teams and he is ready to prove his worth in the game.
Ouattara is in top form and, considering how strong he is, it will be difficult for Rayon defenders to contain him.
He could be the deciding factor of the game.
Hadji Iraguha (Rayon Sports)
The winger has a knack for scoring goals and he has raked in four in the league so far this season.
His runs down the flanks and ability to cut in and get into the penalty box will be essential for Rayon Sports.
Hadji has power in his foot and can hit the ball from distance. Gilbert Byiringiro could have a tough time dealing with him on the flanks.
Clement Niyigena (APR)
Niyigena is arguably the best centre-back in the local league. Very calm on the ball, tackles well and again passes well.
Niyigena is also dangerous in the air and he can score goals a well. He scored against AS Kigali and Mukura in Kigali and he could do the same against his former club, Rayon.
Rayon, he will be one of the players who can settle the game with one moment of brilliance.
-Bosco Ruboneka
The APR assistant captain has formed an impeccable midfield partnership with Seidu Dauda Yussif and the duo always excel when they play together.
Though this is the first game against Rayon for Dauda who missed the first round game through illness, Ruboneka has seen it all at this level.
He knows the ins and outs of games with Rayon and he is among the experienced APR players who can hurt Rayon Sports at any time.
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