Friday

Police              VsAS Kigali  15:30

Espoir             VsAPR         15:30

Saturday

Amagaju         VsKiyovu    15:30

AS Muhanga   VsGicumbi  15:30

Sunrise           VsMarines  15:30

Sunday

Bugesera        VsMusanze15:30

Rayon             VsKirehe     15:30

Azam Rwanda Premier League rivals Police and AS Kigali, will be battling for a crucial victory when they face-off at Kicukiro Stadium on Friday.

The game will get underway at 3:30pm.

With both sides seeking to finish the league’s first-half into top positions, the much-awaited clash between two former Peace Cup winners is guaranteed to be a heated affair.

Separated by only three points, the hosts Police are in fifth position with 20 points, while Djuma Masudi’s AS Kigali are seventh with 17 points but have a better goal differential (4) compared to Police’s three.

Former champions SC Kiyovu who travel to Nyagasenyi Stadium for a clash against Amagaju on Saturday, are in fourth spot – level with Police at 20 points, ranking ahead of the law enforcers courtesy of a superior (5) goal difference.

Having beaten Espoir 3-2 in their last outing, AS Kigali will be fighting for the three points to enter into top four for the first time this season should they beat Police by two goals or more.

On the other hand, Joel Albert Mphande’s Police will be looking to bounce back from last Friday’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of SC Kiyovu.

In an interview with Times Sport on Thursday, AS Kigali head coach Masudi said, "Our aim is to prepare and be able to win every game ahead of us. We want to make progress and we still have hope for a good end to the season.”

He further conceded that, "It is not going to be easy against Police, who are indisputably a good side, but my players are all fit for the challenge.”

Police coach Mphande, whose team has recorded six wins, two draws and four defeats so far this season, admits that his team may be seen as weak contenders but they will not take the foot off the pedal.

"Getting all the three points [against AS Kigali] is crucial in our bid to stay near to the top teams, that’s our only focus on Friday,” noted Zambian tactician Mphande.

Elsewhere, champions APR will go into their match against Espoir at Kamarampaka Stadium hoping for a routine three points as they seek to keep leading the chase for the league title.

APR top the table standings with 29 points from 12 games, three points ahead of second-placed Mukura who have played two games less. Rayon Sports are third with 25 points.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw