AS Kigali&039;s title winning credentials will be critically scrutinized on Friday, February 24, when they travel to the Umuganda Stadium in Gisenyi to face a wounded Etincelles side whose 10 unbeaten run came to an end following 4-2 defeat against APR in Bugesera last week.

Endre Casa Mbungo’s side beat Etincelles 2-0 in first round game held at Kigali Stadium on August 19, 2022 and they will be looking forward to completing the double on Friday.

Etincelles have, on the other hand, been impressive on their home ground from which they haven’t lost to any of the league title contenders.

They beat Rayon 3-2 and held APR to a 1-1 draw.

ALSO READ: Etincelles: Another Rwanda Premier League dark horse?

The Gisenyi based club are 7th on the league table with 33 points whereas AS Kigali are 4th with 37. A win could move any of the team's up the ladder depending on the outcome of the other games.

Current form

Etincelles have lost just once in their last ten league games which was a 4-2 defeat to APR whilst AS Kigali recorded six victories, three defeats and one draw, a run that has not impressed Mungo’s employers.

On paper, Etincelles have the upper hand over an AS Kigali side that has been struggling for results away from home.

For Etincelles striker Moro Sumaila, who was on the verge of joining AS Kigali before the deal failed to go through, it will be a great game and he is aiming to rediscover his scoring boot in the second round.

"It will be a good game for us. For me, it is just any normal game. I am going in with full force and I am praying to score and we win also," Moro told Times Sport.

AS Kigali have been very porous at the back and Latif Bishira as well as Gilbert Dusingizimana must be at their best to stop Moro if he gets his day.

ALSO READ: AS Kigali will perform even better next season, vows club president

The club's main threat upfront lies with Shaban Hussein. The striker has been clinical in attack and the Etincelles back four should be wary of him.

Head to head:

In their last sixteen games which dates back to October 21, 2012, AS Kigali have the upper hand with eleven wins, two draws and three defeats. Etincelles last victory against AS Kigali was on March 7, 2019 when they won 1-0.

Coaches and tactics

Andre Casa Mbungo (AS Kigali)

The experienced trainer's greatest asset is his attack. He plays a typical 4;3;3 system with lots of dynamism. His leading marksman is Shaban Hussein but there are times he drifts wide to let Jacques Tuyisenge be in the middle of the three-man attack if they both start.

Also, he uses new signing Jibrine Abubakar in midfield where he gives him a free role to be the playmaker of the side due to his ability to hold on to the ball.

Rajab Bizumuremyi (Etincelles)

The veteran tactician has been successful this season due to his use of the 4:2:3:1 formation. Congolese midfielder Kakule Mukata who operates as one of the two central midfielders is the engine of the team.

Sadjat Niyonkuru plays behind Moro Sumaila and in days Moro fails to shine, Abdul Muniru is brought on as the lone ranger.

Other games

Kiyovu vs Bugesera

Kiyovu Sports will welcome Bugesera in an encounter which looks dicey. Bugesera beat Rutsiro 3-0 in match day 20 with Sadick Sulley netting a brace. The Ghanaian striker is gradually getting back to form and he will be very vital to the fortunes of his club in this game.

Kiyovu on the other hand knows that a defeat or a draw won't help in their quest to lift the title as the race intensifies.

Gorilla vs Rwamagama City

Gorilla has been very poor this season whilst Rwamagana City has also been struggling in an effort to move to a safer zone.

The game could go either way but Onesme Twizerimana who has started to find his scoring boot for Gorilla can be the deciding factor.

Musanze vs APR

Musanze's woes will be deepened by APR on Sunday at Ubworoherane Stadium when the pair face off.

Musanze have been winless in the second round and there is absolutely no way they can survive against APR unless things change. Their only hope is Peter Agblevor who has scored three goals against APR in three games he has played against them.

Mukura vs Gasogi

An away win for Gasogi looks very likely. After dominating Rayon last weekend but ending up on the losing side, Paul Kiwanuka's men will aim to amass all the maximum points against a Mukura side who have been far from convincing.

Mukura lost 1-0 to Rwamagana City in week 20 and are likely not to have recovered from that defeat.

Police vs Sunrise

Sunrise came from behind to hold AS Kigali to a 2-2 draw and they will hope to build on it against Police.

It looks to be a herculean task considering Police are firing from all angles currently. The law enforcers start as favorites but Sunrise can pull a surprise.

Espoir vs Marines

This is a battle between the two teams at the bottom of the league. It will be a cagey game at Rusizi as a win for Espoir will see them overtaken Marines and move to 14 points.

Marines are on 13 points against Espoir’s 11. A draw looks like the likely outcome of the game.