APR face Marines in penultimate league clash

Today Bugesera FC vs AS Muhanga 3:30pmGicumbi Fc vs SC Kiyovu AS Kigali vs Police FC Sunrise FC vs Espoir Marines vs APR FC Musanze FC vs Rwamagana City Rayon Sports vs Amagaju FC 6pm Defending champions and table leaders APR FC face a tricky test against stubborn Marines side in their penultimate national football league match today afternoon at Umuganda stadium in Rubavu District.The military side are just six points away from lifting a record-extending 16th league title. “We know we are going to face a very tricky side, so we have to be well prepared because our ultimate goal is to secure victory and move closer to retaining the league title,” APR’s Tunisian head coach Nizar Khanfir said. APR now need to win their remaining two matches to successfully retain the title, regardless of what happens elsewhere. However, the run-away leaders will miss the services of striker Issa Bigirimana, through suspension, after he accumulated two yellow cards from the last two matches. The youngster was on target in the 2-0 win against Musanze FC in the last match on Sunday at Kigali Regional Stadium. “We need three points and I am sure we are capable of achieving it at any ground. It’s important that we get all the three points, so that we go into the last game (against AS Kigali) with less pressure,” added Khanfir, who is credited with making APR play some good football since he took charge in March. Khanfir’s side are eight points ahead of second-placed Mukura Victory Sports, who were due to play against Etincelles by press time, and a further 10 points above Rayon Sports, who have played three matches less. Struggling with financial problems, Rayon Sports, will be up against Amagaju FC today at Kigali Regional Stadium. Rayon Sports players have not turned up for training lately in protest for not receiving their salary for the last three months, and it remains to be seen if they will honour today’s match. Elsewhere, fourth-placed AS Kigali host Police FC, in fifth place, at Kigali Regional Stadium; Bugesera FC will play against AS Muhanga at Nyamata ground, while Gicumbi FC will host sixth-placed SC Kiyovu. Musanze FC will host Rwamagana City FC in a do-or-die clash at Nyakinama stadium, in a match where the winner will have a chance to remain in the top division while the loser could be relegated alongside bottom side, AS Muhanga. editorial@newtimes.co.rw