Thursday

Kiyovu Vs Police 15:00

When SC Kiyovu hosts their rivals Police FC this afternoon in the 2019 Peace Cup semifinals first leg at Kigali stadium, it will be a showcase of playing styles.

Kick-off 3pm CAT.

The Green Baggies known for using the flanks and crossing the ball into the box from the wings will be trying to penetrate the Police defense which has been solid during this Peace Cup campaign.

Police will be without Mohamed Mpozembizi and Aimable Nsabimana who are both suspended for accumulative yellow cards. 

Police assistant coach Maurice ‘Maso’ Nshimiyimana admits that missing the two key players is a big blow, but "The depth of our squad will cover up the gap just fine. We will try to suit our playing style with the players we have.”

"We know SC Kiyovu quite well; it is always tough facing them but we have prepared for the game in the best way possible. We want to win the first-leg tomorrow (Wednesday) and go into the weekend decisive match with a relatively easier job,” he told this publication on Tuesday.

Winners of the two-legged tie will meet in the final – on July 4 – the side that will progress between Rayon Sports and AS Kigali.

In-form Rayon Sports beat AS Kigali 2-1 in the first-leg on Wednesday despite being one man down after left-back Eric Gisa Irambona was sent off 13 minutes to clock.

In a separate interview, Kiyovu coach Alain Kirasa also said that his side expected a tough opposition from Police, but his players are determined to maintain their unbeaten run in the competition – and cruise all the way to the final.

"We are unbeaten in Peace Cup so far, and we want to extend that run for as long as possible. We are aware of the team we are facing, and we have prepared accordingly.”

He added, "If we execute well our game plan, no doubt victory will be ours.”

Should Kiyovu see off Police and go on to win the title, it will be the club’s first major silverware since 1993.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com