AS Kigali eager to maintain good record against Police

Second-placed AS Kigali will be looking to recover from last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Marines when they host Police FC in the National Football League on Sunday at Kigali Regional Stadium, starting at 3:30pm.

Friday, February 13, 2015
AS Kigali skipper, Muhamoud Kabura (right) battles with Police striker Emmanuel Sebanani during the first round league clash at Kicukiro stadium. (T. Kisambira)

Sunday

AS Kigali            vs      Police                   3:30pm

Kiyovu                vs      Amagaju

Espoir                 vs      Musanze

Sunrise              vs      Mukura

Gicumbi             vs      Isonga

Second-placed AS Kigali will be looking to recover from last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Marines when they host Police FC in the National Football League on Sunday at Kigali Regional Stadium, starting at 3:30pm.

Last weekend, the City of Kigali-sponsored AS Kigali played without four of their key players who were on suspension.

However, according to head coach Eric Nshimiyimana, the return of Muhamoud Kabura, Jean Pierre Akili, Justin Mico and Emmuel Uwimana will be a major boost for his team against fourth-placed Police FC, coached by former AS Kigali tactician, Andre Cassa Mbungo.

"We have an important fixture against Police and that’s our focus now. This clash is always tough, Police are a strong team with good players and coach, but we will be out to avoid mistakes that can lead to a second consecutive loss,” Nshimiyimana told Saturday Sport.

He also noted that AS Kigali needs the three points in order to keep pressure on table leaders APR, who are 7 points clear on top.

On the other hand, the Police coach will be looking for a first win against his former club since his arrival at police FC last July.

Since November 2013, Police have not won against AS Kigali. The later have dominated their previous encounters with two wins and two draws in their last four meetings including the 1-0 victory last December in the Ombudsman Cup final.

Elsewhere, fifth-placed Gicumbi host bottom side Isonga FC in Gicumbi. A win for the Northern Province-based side, coupled with defeat or a draw for Police, will see Emmanuel Ruremesha’s side move into the top four. The two teams are tied on 24 points but the law enforcers’ side has played two games less.

Nyamirambo-based SC Kiyovu will entertain on-form Amagaju FC at Mumena stadium, Espoir FC will be up against Musanze FC in Rusizi while last year’s second division champions, Sunrise FC will play at home against Mukura VC in Rwamagana.

Rubavu-based Etincelles and Marines FC have a weekend off due to absence of APR and Rayon Sports who play in African competitions.

Rayon Sports face Panthere du Nde of Cameroon this afternoon in Douala, Cameroun in Caf Confederation Cup while 14-time league champions APR take on Liga Muçulmana of Mozambique on Sunday in the Caf Champions League preliminary round, first leg.

Top scorers

Baby Mbakiye          SC Kiyovu             7

Jean Pierre Muhindo Amagaju       7

Bienvenue Mugenzi  Marines           6

Ernest Sugira            AS Kigali              6

Isaie Songa                AS Kigali              5

Patrick Munyankindi  Sunrise          4

Isaac Muganza        Rayon Sports     4

Maxime Sekamana  APR FC                4

Peter Otema             Rayon Sports     4

Table

Team                        PD     W      D       L        Pts

APR                          15      11      2        2        35

AS Kigali                  15      8        4        3        28

Rayon Sports           15      6        7        2        25

Police                        14      6        6        2        24

Gicumbi                    16      6        6        4        24

Amagaju                   16      6        5        5        23

Marines                    15      5        6        4        21

SC Kiyovu                15      5        5        5        20

Espoir                       16      5        3        8        18

Sunrise                     14      3        8        3        17

Mukura                     16      3        6        7        15

Musanze                   16      3        5        8        14

Etincelles                  16      2        5        8        11

Isonga                       15      1        4        10      7