Rayon face La Jeunesse test

Peace Cup (Round of 16) TodayMukura vs Etincelles (Amahoro, 1.30 PM)Rayon Sports vs La Jeunesse (Amahoro, 3.30 PM)SC Kiyovu vs Aspor (Kigali Regional Stadium, 1.30 PM) APR vs Bugesera (Kigali Regional Stadium, 3.30 PM)Police vs Nyanza (Muhanga, 3.30 PM)AS Kigali vs Interforce (Kicukiro, 3.30 PM)Unity vs SEC (Mumena, 1.30 PM)Marines vs Amagaju (Mumena, 3.30 PM) EIGHT-time winners Rayon Sport are in for a tricky test when they take on La Jeunesse in the Primus Cup round of 16 this afternoon at Amahoro Stadium. Both sides are full of confidence after pulling off convincing wins in the previous round. The blues thumped Musanze 5-0 while La Jeunesse strolled through after a 5-1 victory over second division side Etoile de l’Est. However, Rayon coach Jean Marie Ntagwabira is well aware of his opponents’ potential after losing to the youthful side (1-2) in the first round of the Primus League. Without three key players, La Jeunesse coach Emmanuel Ruremesha, who also had a short coaching stint at Rayon, faces a huge task. Cassim Habyarimana and Juma Uwimana are nursing ankle injuries while Ildbrand Nshuti (striker) has school engagements. “We are missing two key players in defense and one in attack but we shall still play for a win,” the soft-spoken coach said. In other fixtures, defending champions APR entertain Bugesera at Kigali Regional Stadium, SC Kiyovu face second division side Aspor, Mukura and Etincelles lock horns at Amahoro stadium, Police play away to Nyanza while AS Kigali host Interforce at Kicukiro. At Mumena stadium, Unity takes on SEC Academy before another tie between Marines and Amagaju. Last year, APR lifted their sixth Peace Cup title after beating Police 4-2 in the final. This year’s winner will earn a ticket to the 2013 Orange Confederation Cup. bonnie.mugabe@newtimes.co.rw