Peace Cup: APR faces AS Kigali in epic encounter
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
APR will face AS Kigali in the first leg of the Peace Cup round of 16 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday, January 17. PHOTO BY OLIVIER MUGWIZA

APR and AS Kigali will lock horns in the first leg of the 2023/24 Peace Cup round of 16 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday, January 17 at 6:00 PM.

It is expected to be a crunch encounter between two teams that boast a rich history in the tournament.

AS Kigali has won the competition thrice while APR has lifted the cup a record 13 times.

ALSO READ: Peace-Cup: AS Kigali see off Etincelles, advance to second round

The last time the two teams met in the showpiece was in the grand-finale of the 2021/22 edition. The "Citizens” beat APR 1-0 to lift the title.

Since then, both teams have undergone various changes. For instance, before the current season started, APR returned to the use of foreign players while AS Kigali has continued to be affected by administrative problems. The city team is currently battling relegation in the domestic league.

While APR were exempted from the first qualifying round, AS Kigali knocked out Etincelles to make it to the round of 16.

AS Kigali new coach Guy Bukasa will rely on players including skipper Latif Bishira, and Ugandan striker Erisa Ssekisambu for a good result in the game.

However, APR, fresh from participating in the 2024 Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar, will be hoping that Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma will be fit for the game.

Times Sport understands that Fabrice Shema, a former AS Kigali president has promised the players a bonus of $200 each if they eliminate APR FC.