APR face Rayon in crunch Super Cup derby
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Rayon Sports' Eric Ngendahimana celebrates his goal during a Peace Cup final in June 2023. The Blues is facing APR FC in the Rwanda Supercup game on Saturday, August 12. Olivier Mugwiza

Rayon Sports and APR FC renew their rivalry on Saturday, August 12, in the 2022/23 Rwanda Supercup game

APR FC beat Kiyovu SC to the 2022/23 domestic league on goal difference before losing the Peace Cup to the Blues in June for the pair to cap off the season with a trophy apiece.

In all, APR have won the Supercup on three occasions in 2002, 2016 and 2018 while Rayon have only been victorious once which in 2017.

Saturday’s derby promises to be exciting as both teams also prepare for their continental campaigns in the Champions League and the Confederation Cup respectively.

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Frenchman Thierry Froger and Tunisian tactician Yamen Zelfani will be coaching their first competitive match since they took charge of the teams ahead of the new season.

Under Zelfani, Rayon have endured a torrid preseason so far, having failed to win a single game in their last three outings. They drew 2-2 with Burundian side Vital O' FC and 1-1 Gorilla FC before losing 1-0 to Kenyan Police FC.

Meanwhile, Froger’s APR walloped Marines 4-1 with new signing Victor Mbaoma bagging a hat trick after which they drew goalless with Mukura Victory in Huye.

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Based on the current form, the military side will undoubtedly go in the game as favorites to win the game and much will depend on their midfield trio of Taddeo Lwanga, Sharaf Shaiboub and Ismail Nshimirimana who are all new signings and have been in superb form so far.

Rayon will be hoping to rely on defensive midfielder Eric Ngendahimana who has scored twice in his last two games against APR.

It is going to be an exciting game but the team which takes their chances and remains resolute at the back will win.