After a weeklong commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi , the Rwanda Premier League returns to action this weekend with Kiyovu looking to beat AS Kigali in Saturday’s clash at Muhanga Stadium, to keep pressure on title rivals APR who are two points clear at the top.
The crunch encounter is vital for both clubs, especially Kiyovu who are still on the heels of league leaders APR looking to finally clinch their first league title in 30 years.
Both teams have met 13 times in the league in the past six years with AS Kigali having the upper hand with six victories against Kiyovu's four while they were tied to a draw three times.
AS Kigali are unbeaten against Kiyovu in their last three meetings in the league. The last time they met was on December 3, 2022 when the Citizens thrashed the Mumena-based side 4-2 in the first round of the league.
Kiyovu coach Jean De Dieu Mateso will have to rely on the services of his attacking trio of Bertrand Iradukunda, Bienvenue Mugenzi and Erisa Sssekisambu who have been superb in attack with some breathtaking goals.
Meanwhile, AS Kigali ‘s defense has been shaky this season and it cost the team a couple of results which saw them out of the title race.
Coach Andre Casa Mbungo has to work on his defense if they are to cope with Kiyovu’s attacking threat.
The game is expected to be free flowing with less physicality. AS Kigali will play their usual 4:2:3:1 with top scorer Shaban Hissein set to attack from either of the flanks with Jacques Tuyisenge as the arrow head.
A victory would see Kiyovu go top of the table and hope APR slip against Gasogi at Bugesera Stadium on Saturday.
Other Games
Rayon Sports visit Bugesera FC in Nyamata in a game that will decide their fate in the title race. A victory would bring Francis Haringingo’s side back in contention but a different result would see them surrender the title in case Kiyovu and APR win their games.
Bugesera will be without Sadick Sulley who was sent off in their game with APR. Sulley scored four goals in his last four games against Rayon during his time at Espoir and his absence could be a relief for the Blues.
Elsewhere, Espoir will welcome Sunrise in Rusizi, knowing that a defeat for the hosts in a game that would see them on the brink of relegation.
Gorilla will also entertain Etincelles at the Bugesera Stadium on Sunday while Marines FC face an uphill task to beat Mukura at Huye Stadium as the victory could get them out of the relegation zone.
Rwamagana City, who have been solid at home this season, expect to pick up all the points at Ngoma Stadium when they take on Musanze.
Vincent Mashami’s Police FC have been in fine form during the past few games and they are likely to give Rutsiro a mauling.