APR FC's Khanfir eyes league and cup double

Friday Second Leg APR FC vs Espoir FC 3:30pmRayon Sports vs AS Kigali After seeing his side come away from Rusizi with a goalless draw against hosts Espoir in the first leg of the Peace Cup semi-finals, APR FC head coach Nizar Khanfir has rallied his troops to do all they can and win the second leg Friday as APR bid to win a league and cup double this season. APR, who are on course to win both record-extending 16th league and ninth Peace Cup titles, host Espoir FC at Kigali Regional Stadium this evening, while in the other semi-final, Rayon Sports will host AS Kigali at Muhanga Regional Stadium. Rayon Sports and AS Kigali played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg earlier in the week. The army side has won league and cup doubles on five occasions – in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014. And, Khanfir is eager to make it a record six times in his first season in charge. With just a game left to wrap up their season, APR are favourites in the race to win the league title, with the reigning champions leading the table with 67 points, ten ahead of second-placed Rayon Sports, who however have four games to go. “It was a tough game against Espoir FC in the first leg, but we want to win the second leg, we expect it to be another tough game, but I think we have enough quality and experience to see us through,” the Tunisian technician told Times Sport. He added: “I believe whoever gets the chance to play will be up for the challenge. This is a big game for us and we must win to stay in the competition.” “The players are ready to show their quality and rise up to the challenge,” he noted. However, his Espoir counterpart, Alphonse Gatera, will also come into today’s game seeking to guide the Rusizi-based side to their first Peace Cup final. “It’s never easy playing against APR regardless of the competition, but I believe we can win the game and reach the final. We will be out there to play for a win,” said the former APR and Rayon Sports defender. The winner between APR and Espoir will face the winner between AS Kigali and Rayon Sports in the final on June 4 at Amahoro National Stadium. Rayon Sports head into the second leg with an away goal advantage. In the first leg AS Kigali striker Twizeyimana Onsesme netted in the 79th minute to cancel out Pierrot Kwizera early opener for Rayon Sports. editorial@newtimes.co.rw