Rayon Sports face rivals AS Kigali in an intriguing Rwanda Premier League week 23 encounter on Sunday, March 12, at the Bugesera Stadium with all to play for.
The game is of valuable importance to the two teams as AS Kigali want to revive their dying dreams of lifting the first title in club’s history whereas Rayon don’t care who they face as they look to win and to continue the chase on leaders APR FC.
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Games between the two rivals have always lived up to the bill and Sunday’s clash will not be any different despite AS Kigali's abysmal form.
Andre Casa Mbungo’s side has not tasted a victory since defeating Gorilla FC 1-0 on February 11. They drew 2-2 with Marines, and Sunrise whereas they lost to Rwamagana City 1-0, Police FC 2-1 and another 1-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Espoir FC last week.
The Blues, on the other hand, are unbeaten since December 23, 2022 when they lost 1-0 to Gasogi.
They have played 7 games from which they collected 15 points from four wins and three draws.
Head to head
Rayon Sports won 1-0 in the first round when the two sides met on November 24, 2022. In all, the pair faced each other 20 times in all competitions in the past seven years and Rayon won 12 against AS Kigali’s four while they were tied on a draw four times.
The recent five games between the two teams in the league has seen Rayon winning three drawing one and losing 1. AS Kigali's only win came on May 23, 2021 when they thrashed Rayon 3-1.
It is also worthy to note that over the years, 10 has been the most dominant scoreline in fixtures involving the two teams.
Coaches and tactics
Casa Mbungo (AS Kigali)
This game will, in one way or the other, determine the future of AS Kigali coach Andre Casa Mbungo.
The management of the club is gradually losing patience following their recent poor output.
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Casa Mbungo's main problem has been at the back as his defense has been very porous. He must tighten up if he wants to get the needed result on Sunday and keep Rayon’s in-form goal hunters Leandre Onana and Joackin Ojera at bay.
The Rwandan gaffer is likely to use Jacques Tuyisenge as the arrowhead with Moise Nyarugabo and Shabani Hussein attacking from the wings if he is going for his usual 4-3-3 formation.
Francis Haringingo
After coming under intense pressure before the first round ended, the Burundian tactician has found his midas touch and Rayon are excelling.
His front three made up of Onana, Amissa Essenu and Ojera, with Heritier Luvumbu behind them as the number 10, has worked perfectly as they are banging in the goals.
Esenu will miss the game against AS Kigali after getting a red card against Etincelles but Moussa Camara will be there to fill the void.
Players to watch
Leandre Onana (Rayon Sports)
The Cameroonian attacker has netted three goals in his last four games for Rayon, including a brace against Gasogi. He has been the live wire of the team in recent matches and, shiould he have a good day on the pitch, he will be looking unstoppable against the AS Kigali defense.
He will be very vital if Rayon are to amass the three maximum points.
Shabani Hussein (AS Kigali)
Shabani is the league's top scorer currently with 13 goals. The Burundian striker might sometimes not be playing as a number 9 but he gets the job done anywhere he plays. He has assisted most of Tuyisenge's goals this season when he operates from the flanks.
Thee Rayon defenders made up of Elie Ganijuru, skipper Abdul Rwatubyaye, Didier Mucyo and Isaac Mitima should be at their maximum best to stop the Burundian.