APR face Amagaju test, Musanze host Police

Today Amagaju vs APR 3:30pm Isonga vs Mukura Musanze vs Police Etincelles vs Marines Espoir vs Sunrise Sunday Rayon Sports vs AS Kigali 3:30pm Gicumbi vs SC Kiyovu REIGNING league champions APR take on Amagaju this afternoon at Nyamagabe looking to return to winning ways in the National Football League. Thearmy side lost their last league game against Gicumbi in a stunning 0-1 result a fortnight ago and are fully aware of the effect a loss in today’s game could cause to their title campaign. The table leaders have 20 points from nine matches including six wins, two draws and a loss and according to head coach Ljubomir Petrovic, today’s match is a must-win. “It is very important for us to defeat Amagaju because we want to maintain our position at the top of the table. It will be difficult but we expect victory,” explained the Serbian tactician. In total, APR have lost their last two games including the Gicumbi loss as well as last weekend’s encounter against AS Kigali in the Ombudsman Cup at Amahoro stadium. A week ago, they netted first through midfielder Yannick Mukunzi but a late own goal by right back Michel Rusheshangoga equalized for AS Kigali to force penalties that the latter won 3-1 to eliminate APR. Despite this sloppiness, Petrovic revealed that, “That was the best game we have played this season. We kept the ball and were in control the entire game until the own goal. Nevertheless, we got three more chances to score but we were just unlucky. We shall build on that against Amagaju.” After a week of training, Petrovic believes that his side will make a strong comeback against Amagaju today. With the availability of playmaker Jean Claude Iranzi, Yannick Mukunzi and Maxime Sekamana, the Serbian has a creative midfield that can create opportunities but will be hoping striker Bertrand Iradukunda uses his chances. Forward Michel Ndahinduka who has been out with an injury for two months is yet to return to training so Petrovic will be looking to try out a double strike force with Bernabe Mubumbyi playing upfront alongside Iradukunda. However, Petrovic confirmed the absence of Rusheshangoga who has a niggling injury to his ankle. Against Amagaju, APR face a side that is yet to lose at home notably having beaten Espoir (1-0), Kiyovu (1-0), holding AS Kigali to a goalless draw and Police (1-1). Amagaju head coach Abdul ‘Becken’ Bizimana has made it clear that protecting his unbeaten home run will be top priority at the Nyagisenyi stadium. Elsewhere, winless Isonga host Mukura with the target of finally clinching maximum points but the latter side under the close eye of new head coach Geoffrey Okoko will be hoping to make it two wins in a row after registering the first for the season against Amagaju (3-2) two weeks ago. Musanze host Police FC hoping to end a four-game winless streak. Top scorers Baby Mbakiye Kiyovu Sports 5 Bienvenue Mugenzi Marines 5 Patrick Munyankindi Sunrise 4 Jacques Tuyisenge Police 3 Peter Otema Rayon Sports 3