Mukura plot to pip Rayon for first Agaciro Cup title
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Ghana-born striker Michael Sarpong (in front) will lead Rayon Sportsu2019 onslaught against Mukura, whom they lost to in the 2018 Peace Cup final. / File

Sunday

Third-place APR vs Police - 13:00

Final Rayon vs Police - 15:30

Mukura will be optimistic to pip Rayon Sports for their first Agaciro Development Fund Cup title when the two archrivals face-off in this year’s final on Sunday afternoon at Amahoro Stadium. Kick-off 3:30 pm.

Cameroon-born tactician Olivier Ovambe looks to guide Mukura to their second trophy in as many years following last year’s heroics when the Huye-based side – then under coach Francis Haringingo – stunned Rayon to clinch the 2018 Peace Cup.

Speaking to Sunday Sport, Ovambe expressed optimism about his team’s chances against the Blues who will come into the game seeking to retain the title for a record third successive year.

He said: "We know what we want, and I believe we have the talent and ability to accomplish it.”

En-route to the final, Mukura edged pre-tournament hopefuls APR 3-2 on penalties after both sides had played out a 2-all draw in normal time.

"We made it past the best team in the country, so I am optimistic about our chances in the final. The game is going to be tough on both sides, my players need to be strong mentally and work together for the result we all want,” added Ovambe who joined the Black-and-Yellow outfit in July.

But, on the other side, Jean-Baptiste Kayiranga has also urged his Rayon Sports players to ‘give everything on the pitch’ and aim to score early.

"Mukura have proved they are no pushovers, so we have to be defensively vigilant and efficient whenever we get a chance to score.”

The final will be preceded by the third-place playoff, which pits APR against Police, starting at 1 pm.

Police were denied a spot in the final by Rayon on Friday after the latter won the two sides’ encounter 4-3 in penalty shootouts after a goalless draw in regular time.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com