Friday

APR Vs Gicumbi 15:30

Champions APR take on crisis-hit Gicumbi at Kigali Stadium on Friday seeking to maintain their unbeaten run in the 2018-19 Azam Rwanda Premier League. Kick-off 3:30pm.

Jimmy Mulisa’s army side, a record 18-time league title winners, have collected 25 points from their first nine games this season, having won eight and drawn one, respectively.

They lead second-placed Police by 5 points, and have one game in hand.

"We want to keep the unbeaten record for as long as possible, possibly throughout the 2018-19 campaign. Our philosophy this season is simple – to approach every game as the final. There will be no room for complacency when we host Gicumbi on Friday,” said Mulisa.

"Gicumbi are capable of causing an upset despite their lowly position, so we can’t afford to take anything for granted.”

Struggling Gicumbi are second from the bottom – of the 16-team table – with eight points, three ahead of bottom side Amagaju. The Gicumbi district-sponsored side have just two wins and two draws after eleven games this term.

Victory for Camarade Banamwana’s side will see them escaping the relegation zone by one point, at the expense of Kirehe who are in 14th position with 10 points.

Speaking to Times Sport on Thursday, Banamwana emphasized that they want to get out of the red zone and a win against APR will boost that escape, "It is hard to say that you can beat APR at home but we have to give our best. It will be a tough call, but, it is definitely possible.”

While Gicumbi are fresh from beating Marines 1-0 last Saturday, they were a few days earlier devastated by AS Kigali in a 6-0 rout at Kigali Stadium.

The league action continues on Saturday with four games lined-up as AS Muhanga host AS Kigali, Etincelles delight Marines in the Western derby, Espoir face SC Kiyovu while Sunrise will be up against Musanze at Mumena Stadium in Nyamirambo.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw