Today

Semi-finals: First legEspoir vs APR FC 3:30pmRayon Sports vs AS Kigali

APR FC lost 1-0 against Espoir in a league match last month. APR head coach Nizar Khanfir will have this at the back of his mind when his team travel to Rusizi for the Peace Cup semi-final, first leg against Espoir, today.

Speaking ahead of the match in Rusizi, Khanfir said, "We know it’s going to be a very tricky game against Espoir, who beat us in the league on our last visit there.”

The Tunisian tactician told Times Sport that his team is keen on winning the game to stay in the competition.

He added that he prepared for the game and will be aiming to register another win to remain on course in search of the Peace Cup and league title.

His counterpart, Alphonse Gatera, believes his side can again shock the army side: "We need to go into the game with the purpose of winning. We are facing the best team in the country, but we will not be fazed by the sheer size of job that we know we need to do.”

APR lost 1-0 against Espoir in league match last month but Gatera said that the games cannot be compared, "You cannot compare the two games, this is a totally deferent game from the one we won, but we have to give our best and try to score goals at home.”

The other semi-final, also scheduled for today, will pit last year’s beaten finalists Rayon Sports against winners of the competition in 2013, AS Kigali at Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo.

In the last round, APR eliminated SC Kiyovu 1-0, while Espoir thrashed national league strugglers AS Muhanga 3-0 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, the clash between AS Kigali and Rayon Sports, probably the bigger of the two semi-finals, will be played at Kigali Regional Stadium, where Rayon Sports interim head coach Djuma Masudi believes that a win will make them the favorites to reach the final.

"AS Kigali are a strong team, so we are not underestimating them whatsoever. We have to be at our best to ensure that we win the first leg. If we can keep the same performance that we’ve displayed in recent matches, I believe we can overcome them,” said former Rayon Sports striker.

Rayon Sports humbled league rivals Gicumbi FC 4-1 to reach the semi-finals while AS Kigali beat Amagaju 2-0."It will be a big challenge. It will be very tough against Rayon Sports, who have been very dangerous in front of goal, so we have to defend well,” said AS Kigali head coach Eric Nshimiyimana.

The semi-final round will be played over two legs. The return leg matches will be played on July 1 at Kigali Regional Stadium with eventual winners proceeding to the final which will be played on June 4.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw