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Gicumbi vs APRRayon Sports vs SunriseMarines vs Etincelles

Gicumbi head coach Emmanuel Ruremesha has cautioned APR not to expect an easy match when the two sides clash this afternoon in the National Football League at Byumba stadium.

"APR is coming to our home ground but they should expect defeat because we are eyeing maximum points. We really want to win this tie and we shall do everything in our means to make sure that we achieve our target,” Ruremesha whose side currently sits in fifth position on the league table said

In the first round, Jean de Dieu Uwineza’s strike at the stroke of half time ended the army side’s eight-game unbeaten run back in November and Ruremesha wants to replicate that performance.

Ruremesha revealed that he expects his side to display the same determination and team work, attributes that could earn them a rare double win over the reigning league champions and should they win, they will be the only side to complete a double over APR this season, a feat their tactician does not take for granted.

However, in APR, Gicumbi face a motivated side that is eyeing a 15th record league title and needs two wins and a draw to be crowned champions with four games to the end of the season.

Table leaders APR have 47 points from 22 games with a game in hand, three points ahead of second placed AS Kigali who have 44 points from 23 games.

"Gicumbi is a good team but we shall go for a win. Football is interesting and unpredictable, however APR is a serious club which respects every opponent,” explained Dusan Suljagic, APR head coach.

The Serbian tactician confirmed that he will rest defenders Emery Bayisenge and Michel Rusheshangoga but the duo will be on the bench while Captain Ismael Nshutiyamagara, Yannick Mukunzi and the injured Patrick Sibomana are unavailable for selection.

Meanwhile, Rayon Sports will host Sunrise at the Muhanga stadium with the Blues seeking to edge closer to a top three finish. Jean Baptiste Kayiranga’s side is in fourth position with 33 points from 22 games, six points below third placed Police FC.

In the other game of the day, Marines will host Etincelles in the Rubavu derby with the latter hoping to escape the relegation zone. Etincelles has 17 points from 22 games; four behind the 12th placed Musanze and will be hoping to emerge victorious to keep their hopes of staying up alive. Their first round tie was a goalless draw. 

editorial@newtimes.co.rw