Rayon Sports, APR clash in pre-season semifinals

Today SC Kiyovu vs AS Vita Club 3:30pm APR FC vs Rayon Sports 6:30pm The battle lines have been drawn between the two biggest clubs in Rwanda, APR FC and Rayon Sports. The two giants will clash in the second semi-final of the inaugural AS Kigali Pre-season Tournament on Thursday evening at Amahoro National Stadium. The match, that starts at 6:30pm, will be preceded by the first semi-final between DR Congo’s AS Vita Club and SC Kiyovu at 3:30pm, at the same venue. The semi-final line-up was decided after Tuesday’s final group matches where in Group A, APR defeated hosts AS Kigali 3-2 while Rayon Sports lost to SC Kiyovu 2-1 at Kigali Regional Stadium whereas AS Vita Club walloped Daulphin Noir (DRC) 4-0 at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu. Ahead of today’s game, APR acting head coach Yves Rwasamanzi said, “I know it’s one of the biggest games in Rwanda, but we are well prepared. Our aim is to register another win and go to the final.” On the other hand, his opposite number Djuma Masudi, who guided Rayon Sports to the 2016 Peace Cup title says, “If we can maintain the level of the performances that we have displayed in recent matches, I believe we can overcome anyone, including APR.” “We lost to Kiyovu in the final group game because we didn’t play well. I have been impressed with the way we’ve played in this tournament and I hope we can take that form into the game on Thursday against APR,” noted the former Rayon and Burundi forward. Since 1995, both sides have met 77 times in official matches with Rayon Sports winning 25 and APR 30, while the other 22 matches have ended in draws. Masudi’s team managed to win the last two meetings where they humiliated APR 4-0 in the league second round, while the ‘Blues’ also beat the military side 1-0 in the Peace Cup final. editorial@newtimes.co.rw