APR host Rayon in crunch encounter
Sunday, February 12, 2023
Rayon Sports player Samuel wins the ball against APR FC players during a past derby at Kigali Stadium. The two rivals will face a derby at Huye stadium. Photo by Olivier Mugwiza

All roads lead to Huye Stadium as League leaders APR FC face eternal rivals Rayon Sports with all to play for on Sunday, February 12, in tightly-contested Rwanda Premier League derby.

Ben Moussa’s APR would open a four-point lead at the summit of the table with a win against a Rayon side which also needed three important points from the derby to close the gap to the top within just one point.

It has been a season of ups and downs for the two clubs as Rayon Sports started brightly until the last three games of the first round which they slummed and have since struggled to regain their top form.

APR, on the other hand, started the season on a wrong foot and at some point had various impasse in the team with skipper Djabel Manishimwe and coach Adel Mohammed facing suspensions after which the Moroccan trainer never returned to the touchline.

The resurgence of the Army club started in the second round and the players have been enjoying football under new head coach Ben Moussa who turned the results around in his to help the club return where they belong.

Moussa’s men have a one-point lead at the top with a game in hand with Rayon on Sunday.

ALSO READ: More misery for Rayon as Bizimana's strike wins derby for APR

Past matches

Dating back to 1995, the two teams have met 97 times in official matches with APR winning 43 games against Rayon Sports’ 29 whilst 25 have ended in draws.

The military side remains unbeaten in the last seven derbies against the Blues who will be out to end that run at all cost.

ALSO READ: Haringingo given three matches to save his Rayon job

Key Players to watch

Leandre Willy Onana

When fit, the Cameroonian can score anytime regardless who he plays against.

The forward travelled with the team to Huye and is expected to lead the forward line ahead of Sunday’s derby. The club will be counting on his services if they are to beat APR for the first time since 2019.

Dider Mucyo (Rayon Sports)

The defender has been superb in the right back while he overlaps to join the attack fom the wing.

He has been among Rayon's key players this season and has been consistent in defense. When he has a good game, the team performs well.

Clement Niyigena (APR)

Arguably the best defender in the league so far this season, Niyigena guarantees security in APR’s defense thanks to his leadership.

He not only brings balance at the back but he also scores, having scored four goals so far this season.

Yannick Bizimana (APR)

The striker has scored some crucial goals for APR this season including the winner in against Rayon Sports when the pair met during the first round of the league.

Bizimana started the season poorly as he was even struggling for game time but he now has found his rhythm and is APR's key man in attack.