Friday, August 9

Rwanda Cup final: APR vs. REG | 8:30 PM

Third place match: Patriots vs. Espoir | 6:00 PM

The highly anticipated Rwanda Cup final is set to take place on Friday, August 9 as local giants APR and Rwanda Energy Group (REG) go head to head.

Scheduled for 8:30 PM at Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium, the game will establish the inaugural champion of the Rwanda Cup, a tournament put in place this year to increase the number of competitions as well as teams playing in the country.

ALSO READ: PHOTOS: APR ease past Patriots to set Rwanda Cup final date with rivals REG

APR reached the finals of the tournament after overpowering rivals Patriots 91-70 on Wednesday, August 7, while REG beat Espoir 98-72 in another semi-final tie on the same day.

The two most recent encounters between the APR and REG have been closely contested though APR came out on top with 79-75 and 77-75 victories in the first round and second round of the Rwanda Basketball League respectively.

APR will be without Malian center Aliou Diarra for the REG game as he is down with malaria.

ALSO READ: PHOTOS: APR avoid REG upset to move top of basketball league

Key players to watch on REG’s side include American guards Cleveland Thomas and Antino Jackson, as well as Rwandan forward Jean-Victor Mukama. For APR, Isaiah Miller, an American guard who recently joined the club from the NBA G League will be one to watch, in addition to Rwandan forwards Osborn Shema and Axel Mpoyo.