Intare FC have been drawn in Group B at the forthcoming the 2018-2019 second division football championship, which starts on December 15. Last season, Intare were crowned champions of the lower division after beating AS Muhanga 2-1 in the final at Amahoro Stadium. As a result, the two sides earned automatic promotion to Azam Rwanda Premier League for the 2018-19 season. However, Intare shockingly withdrew from topflight football in August, opting to remain in the second division and focus on football development and young talents. They were replaced by then relegated Gicumbi. A total of 23 teams from across the country, divided in two pools (A and B) have confirmed they will compete in the second tier league. The race for the two promotion slots in the 2019/2020 topflight league will begin with the group stage. The teams in both pools will play among themselves on a home-away format with the top eight (four in each group) securing tickets to quarter-finals. Groups: Group A: UR, Rugende,Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle, SEC Academy, Aspor, Sorwathe, Akagera, Esperance, Gasogi United, Vision, Gasabo and La Jeunesse. Group B: Interfoce, United Stars, Intare, Heroes, Hope, Miroplast, Unity, Rwamagana City, Pepiniere, Giticyinyoni and Etoiles de l’Est. editorial@newtimes.co.rw