PNL: Five clubs on the brink as relegation battle heats up

Friday, May 3 Etincelles 2-3 SC Kiyovu APR 2-0 Gorilla Saturday, May 4 Amagaju FC vs Sunrise FC Bugesera FC vs Muhazi United Police FC vs Etoile de l’Est Mukura vs Gasogi United The Primus National League relegation battle is increasingly taking a dramatic twist as five clubs are fighting to remain in the topflight division ahead of Saturday afternoon’s mouth-watering fixtures. Marines FC are now guaranteed to play topflight football next season after Thursday’s 1-0 victory over Musanze FC at Umuganda Stadium put themselves seven points clear of relegation zone with two games to play. Etincelles (13th) put themselves on the brink of relegation after losing 3-2 to SC Kiyovu in a thrilling match held at Umuganda Stadium and went while APR’s 2-0 victory over Gorilla FC (12th) at Kigali Pele Stadium on Friday not only put them one match away from completing the league campaign unbeaten but it also made things worse for Ivan Minnaert’s side as long as Etoile de l'Est (16th) and Bugesera FC (15th) win their respective matches against Police FC and Muhazi United. ALSO READ: Etoile coach Kwaku optimistic about league survival Gasogi United will travel to Huye Stadium to face Mukura VS while 14th-placed Sunrise FC visit Amagaju FC. ALSO READ: Gorilla midfielder Murdah anticipates tough clash with Bugesera Last dance for Etoile and Bugesera FC As things stand, Etoile de l’Est and Bugesera FC are in the biggest risk of being relegated. But it’s not over yet. READ ALSO: Rayon Sports to appoint new coach this week, says president Uwayezu Fresh from their impressive outing in the Peace Cup despite losing to Police in the final, Bugesera FC looks poised to amass the three points at stake against Muhazi United. The likes of skipper Vincent Adams, league top scorer Elijah Ani and in-form Farouk Ssentongo will have to be too hot for Muhazi United to handle. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Ssentongo nets winner as Bugesera FC put Blues’ Peace Cup defense in danger Meanwhile, a rejuvenated Etoile de l'Est, who lost once in their last five league games, will welcome Police FC who have won just two games in the second round. A win for the home team at Ngoma Stadium will most definitely lift them out of the relegation zone depending on results from Sunrise and Bugesera fixtures. With two games to go, Bugesera are second from the bottom with a meagre 28 points and need to win two games to move to 34 points which can guarantee them a spot in the top division while Etoile de l'Est, tied at 28 points at the bottom of the table, also need the same miracle but hoping that Sunrise, Muhazi United, Etincelles and Gorilla can lose the points.