Etincelles look to halt APR ascent to top four

Sunday Etincelles vs APR FC 3:30pm Monday Sunrise FC vs Rayon Sports March 28 Gicumbi FC vs APR FC Etincelles are optimistic about halting APR FC when the two teams meet in a rescheduled Azam Rwanda Premier League matchday 14 fixture today at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu district. Emmanuel Ruremesha’s side go into the match sitting in seventh place with 21 points from 14 matches, one point and two places behind the record 16-times league champions APR, who have played two games less. Etincelles beat APR 1-0 on March 16, 2016 at Kigali Stadium in the league second round and with just a point separating the two teams going into today’s clash, the hosts feel they can again do over the record 16-times champions, a result that would see both swap positions in the table. “Our target is to win the game against APR and go above them in the table standings; we will do everything possible to achieve it. I have good players with indisputable talent and proven determination, we just have to be focused and goal-oriented,” Ruremesha said on Friday. The win for Etincelles will move them to fifth place with 24 points, one behind fourth-placed Sunrise FC, who will play against defending champions Rayon Sports in Nyagatare on Monday. Former Rayon Sports and Mukura VC coach Ruremesha added that, “We are ready for the game and ready to win in-front of our home fans. Nonetheless, the players know they will have to be at their best against one of the best teams in the league.” APR head coach Ljubomir Petrovic has admitted that the match against Etincelles on Sunday is a must-win for the army side, who know that victory would take them into the top four. APR know anything less than maximum points, would be a blow in their title race. “We have to regain our confidence going into the Etincelles game, which to me, is a must win,” the 70-year old tactician admitted. The defending champions Rayon Sports will visit Sunrise and victory will see them jump to the top position with 30 points, one ahead of the current table leaders AS Kigali. editorial@newtimes.co.rw