The Huye Stadium will be the centre of attraction on match day 19 of the 2022/23 Rwanda Premier League when league leaders APR and Rayon Sports meet in an epic derby on Sunday.
Games between the two biggest clubs in Rwanda have always produced unforgettable moments varying from incredible goals, dominant performances and results that were significant to the race for the league title.
Weekend Sport takes a look at six greatest moments that shaped the pair’s rivalry over the years.
David Kasirye’s hat-trick
David Kasirye had his name fully embedded in the history books of Rwandan football when he netted a hat trick against APR FC on May 3, 2016 at Amahoro Stadium in the crunch derby during which Rayon had come to the game seeking revenge against the army side who beat them 4-0 the previous season.
The Ugandan forward was outstanding on that day as he single-handedly destroyed the APR by netting three goals in the 4-0 annihilation. He is so far the only player to have scored a hat trick in the history of the derby.
APR score four goals in 15 minutes
There were crazy scenes inside Amahoro Stadium when APR FC thrashed Rayon Sports 4-0 at the epic league clash which left the Blues demolished.
It strangely took APR just 15 minutes to score the four goals. The game was balanced until the 75th minute when the demolition exercise began.
Michel Ndahidunka was the star of the day as he opened the scoring and also was involved in the build up to the other goals.
ALSO READ: Rayon Sports thump APR FC
Michael Sarpong's 93rd minute winner
The Ghanaian striker was the hero in Rayon Sports’ 1-0 win against APR FC on April 21, 2019 as the "Blues” went on to win the league trophy.
Sarpong, who had been torn in the flesh by the APR defenders all day with his power, scored the only goal of the game in the 93rd minute through a penalty.
Emmanuel Imanishimwe brought down Gilbert Mugisha and Sarpong stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty into the net with virtually the last action of the game.
The Ghanaian’s injury –time winner remains one that many Rayon Sports fans will forever remember due to his exploits.
ALSO READ: APR extend uneaten run to 40 matches in Premier League
Bosco Ruboneka's midfield masterclass
The efficient central midfielder was unplayable in the middle of the pitch as APR beat Rayon Sports 2-1 on November 23, 2021 at the Kigali Stadium.
The Blues took an early lead through Leandre Onana but Ruboneka was solid as APR came from behind to win the game.
He got everything right on the day, passing, defending, breaking up play and attacking.
Ruboneka capped a brilliant performance with a superb strike which won the day for APR.
Rayon smash four past APR in 2001 league decider
APR FC players and supporters will never forget the 4-1 humiliation they suffered at the hands of Rayon Sports on August 18, 2001.
The 4-1 mauling is one of their heaviest defeats in the derby’s history.
The defeat cost the military side the league title as they finished the race with 60 points trailing one point behind Rayon’s 61.
On that fateful Saturday, Aziz Balinda and Amon Mudeyi scored for the Blues while Olivier Karekezi scored the consolation goal for the Army side.
Super sub Rushehangoga wins it late for 10-man APR
On Wednesday , December 12, 2018 substitute Michel Rushehangoga came off the bench to net the winner in the 90th minute as ten-man APR FC beat Rayon 2-1.
APR midfielder Mirafa Nizeyimana was sent off in the 57th minute for a second bookable offense. Issa Bigirimana and Michael Sarpong had traded goals for either side before Rushehangoga popped up in the 90th minute with the match winner.