Amahoro Stadium will be the center of attention for thousands of Rwandan football fans on Saturday, December 7, as Rayon Sports take on APR FC in the most fiercely contested derby of the Rwanda Premier League (RPL). Initially scheduled to take place three weeks ago, the game had to be postponed twice due to APR's CAF Champions League campaign. It has been a bright season so far for Rayon Sports, as they are on the summit of the league table with 29 points, having won nine games, and drawn two. APR FC on the other hand haven't fared so well, and are still haunted by the loss by forfeiture against Gorilla FC for exceeding the foreign players quota during the game. The army side has won five games and drawn three against minnows Etincelles, Rutsiro and Police FC. ALSO READ: 1000 Hills derby: Who makes the cut in Rayon vs APR combined XI Rayon vs APR games have always been entertaining. In their last five meetings since December 2022, the Lions have had the upper hand with two wins, two draws and just a single defeat. APR’s head coach Darko Novic is looking forward to the derby, as he pointed out after the team’s stalemate with Police this week, that he is going to address the loopholes and be ready for the derby. We are going to prepare for the game with Rayon. We will work on the deficiencies in our team,” he noted. The defending champions have been without a number of their first team players in their past three games due to illness and injuries. Midfielder Richmond Lamptey who was sick has fully recovered and he is expected to get some minutes. Seidu Dauda and Victor Mbaoma, however, remain doubtful. For Rayon, coach Robertinho has his full squad with the exception of Burundian midfielder Aruna Moussa Madjaliwa who is on a long term injury. The game promises to be a competitive one. Rayon has the best attack so far this season with Fall Ngagne scoring six goals and Hadji Iraguha netting four. APR have a great defence, having conceded just one goal this season which was against Police FC. Their defence which consists of right back Gilbert Byiringiro, left back Claude Niyomugabo, centre backs Clement Niyigena and Aliou Souane has been one of their great assets this season.
