Today

Scandinavia  Vs  AS Kigali  3pm Rambura  Vs  Gakenke  3pm Bugesera  Vs  Kamonyi  3pm Inyemera  Vs  ES Mutunda  3pm

AS KIGALI’s perennial dominance of women’s football team may come to an end when newcomers Scandinavia host the nine-time back-to-back champions this afternoon at Umuganda Stadium.

With both teams tying on 36 points at the helm of table standings going into the last round of matches of the season, whoever wins this tie will not only carry the day but they will also be crowned champions. 

For the first time since 2009, the City of Kigali-sponsored giants have had a rough run for their money this season. And their closest rivals throughout in this campaign are none other than league debutants Scandinavia. 

Ahead of the much-anticipated clash today, both sides jointly top the table but the defending champions are in number one spot thanks to their head-to-head advantage.  AS Kigali beat Scandinavia 1-0 in their first league encounter at Kigali Stadium.  

Each has played 13 games, winning 12 and losing one.

The only league defeat for AS Kigali this season came against Mutunda, a 3-2 loss, their first league defeat in four years.

The hosts must win to clinch the championship, since a draw would be enough for the visitors to retain their trophy.

In a telephone interview, Scandinavia coach Radjab Bizimuremyi, said yesterday: "Everyone on the team is hungry for the title, and writing history by winning it on our first attempt. The players are fit and the mood in the team has never been better, we are going to fight with all we got for victory on Saturday. Thankfully we are playing at home.”

But his opposite number at AS Kigali, Shaban Mbarushimana, told Times Sport: "Our mission since we started this competition remains the same; to win the league title. My team is ready to give everything to ensure that we emerge victors.”

Scandinavia’s charge will be led by Anne Nibagwire and Anne Marie Ibangarye, both former AS Kigali players, who have scored 12 and 10 goals this season, respectively.

On the other hand, Mbarushimana’s attack will be spearheaded by Callixte Iradukunda (12) and Dorothe Mukeshimana (10 goals).

Notably, each pair of the forwards has scored a combined 22 goals for their respective sides.

For Bizumuremyi, a win today would hand him his first title in Rwandan women league after guiding his club to topflight women football from the second tier.

Elsewhere, today, bottom side Rambura host Gakenke in Nyabihu District. Bugesera will be up against Kamonyi while Inyemera and ES Mutunda lock horns in Gicumbi.

ES Mutuma are a distant third on the table standings with 18 points, Kamonyi are fourth with 16 points, Inyemera fifth (also 16 points), while Gakenke are in sixth place with 10 points.

Bugesera and Rambura are seventh and eighth with seven points from 13 games each.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw