APR seek revenge against Gicumbi

Table leaders APR will be looking to avoid a double loss to Gicumbi this season when they take on the fifth-placed side on Wednesday afternoon at Byumba Stadium in the National Football League (NFL).

Jean de Dieu Uwineza’s strike in November ended the army side’s eight-game unbeaten run at the beginning of the season and Dusan Suljagic’s side will be looking to avoid defeat in the run-in for the title with four games to the end of the campaign.

The Serbian tactician is optimistic. “Gicumbi is a good team but we shall be going for the win. Football is an interesting and unpredictable game but our target is to walk away with three points.”

APR will be without the suspended Yannick Mukunzi, who is suspended after he accumulated two yellow cards while defenders Emery Bayisenge and Michel Rusheshangoga will be rested from the starting XI and will be included among the substitutes. Captain Ismael Nshutiyamagara and Patrick Sibomana are out injured.

APR currently have 47 points on the table standings from 22 games, three ahead of second placed AS Kigali. The army side need two wins and a draw to retain the league title and a record 15th time in their 22-year history.

However, Gicumbi’s head coach Emmanuel Ruremesha has warned the army side that they will not have it easy. “When APR comes to our home, they should expect defeat. We want maximum points and we shall make sure we do everything right to emerge victorious,” he said.

Gicumbi will be without captain Aimable ‘Mambo’ Rucogoza who is suspended following his accumulation of two yellow cards.

In the other game of the day, Marines will host Etincelles in the Rubavu derby with the latter hoping to bag three points as they bid to avoid relegation. Etincelles have 17 points, four below Musanze who are in 12th position. The former will be without defender Isiaka Nahimana who is suspended having accumulated two yellow cards.