APR’s defensive duo of Emery Bayisenge and Michelle Rusheshangoga is a major doubt for Saturday’s Primus National Football League clash against archrivals Rayon Sport at Amahoro stadium.
SaturdayAPR vs Rayon Police vs Isonga Mukura vs Kiyovu Marines vs Etincelles APR’s defensive duo of Emery Bayisenge and Michelle Rusheshangoga is a major doubt for Saturday’s Primus National Football League clash against archrivals Rayon Sport at Amahoro stadium.Head coach Eric Nshimiyimana confirmed the development on Thursday. He said centre back Bayisenge has a dead leg, while fullback Rusheshangoga has stomach complications.Despite the disappointment of being eliminated from the African Champions League at the hands of Burundian champions Vital’O a week ago, Nshimiyimana believes his team can still get a result against the league leaders."We are doing our best to ensure that they (pair) are available for Saturday’s game but chances are very minimal, it’s an important match, which we need to win stay in the (title) race,” he told Times Sport.He admitted, "It is going to be a difficult game, but we badly need maximum points to close the gap and boost our hopes of retaining the title. The season has reached a critical stage where any point dropped or gained is very important.”The corresponding match ended in a 2-all draw after APR came from 2-0 down to earn a deserved point when the two sides met at Amahoro stadium in December.Rayon Sport are enjoying their best run of form in years. With seven matches left, they lead the league table standing with 38 points, one ahead of second-placed Police FC and five better than reigning champions APR, who are in third place albeit with a game in hand.The Blues’ season will be defined in the next three matches when they face their nearest three rivals in the title race Police, APR and Kiyovu.For APR, who have not topped the league all season to be able to retain their title, they need to win their remaining eight matches and hope that in-form Rayon somehow stumble between now and end of the season.While the army side are seeking to win a record extending 14th Rwandan league title, Rayon are looking to win their seventh title and the first since 2004.