The biggest game in the Rwandan premier league was played on Tuesday, November 23rd at the Kigali stadium in Nyamirambo where APR FC defeated Rayon Sports by two goals to one to set an enviable record of forty premier league games without defeat. Matches between these two giants have always been keenly contested over the years with some superb performances and this encounter lived up to expectations as the clubs sold quality football to fans in the stadium, across the country and world. Generally, it was a top notch encounter with plenty of action from both sides throughout the entire duration of the game. Times Sport brings to you the five things we observed in the crunch duel. Rharb Youssef and Wily Onana need defined roles Rayon Sports made a masterstroke by signing Rharn Youssef from Raja and Wily Onana from Cameroon. The two foreign imports have been in terrific form but considering their output in the game against APR, it is evident that Coach Masudi Djuma needs to define their roles. Both players are classical number 10 but with different dimensions. Rahrb is cast in the mood of former Argentine and Villarreal skipper Juan Roman Riquelme. Very skilful on the ball, can open the defence and has the ability to give the final pass but not as a natural goalscorer. Onana on the other hand is a free scoring number 10 and is more of a second striker and can play behind the main striker in a two top or behind two strikers in a conventional 3-4-3. In the game against APR, Rharb set up Onana for the goal, they were playing well until Onana got lost in the game when he shifted to the left side of attack in the second half. Meanwhile, Rharb moved to a central attacking role as number 10 and mesmerized the APR defence with his artistry and skills. He created some decent chances of which he missed two and the others were squandered by Soulemane Sanogo. Masudi should vary his tactics, play Rharb as number 10 and find another decent attacker to partner Onana in a two top. APR is a very tactical and disciplined side It will be very difficult for the Army side to lose a game considering how they are playing. They play a very tactical game and although they create fewer chances, they utilize them. Their goals against Rayon Sports came from mistakes in and around the penalty box and they calmly converted it. They defend as a unit and do man marking which helps them to always curtail danger at first instance. Kevin Muhire should be given a free role He is one of the naturally gifted players in the Rayon Sports set up. Muhire is a playmaker who can dictate the pace of the game but he is agonizingly being used in a more withdrawn midfield role. Against APR, he was played as a one of the two defensive midfielders alongside Blaise Nishimwe as they sat just in front of the back four. Muhire was the only player who could move and receive the ball in an effort to start an attack. It will be prudent that he is given a free role to operate with his ability to retain the ball and useful in a deeper attacking role. Rayon Sports needs a ruthless number 9 With the type of skilful players Rayon have in their possession such as Rharb Youssef, Wily Onana and Kevin Muhire, they just need a finisher in the shape of their former player Michael Sarpong and they are good to go. It is sad to note that the Blues created eight chances against APR but they could only convert one. Though Onana is scoring, they just need a real goal poacher to add up. Djabel Imanishimwe is a big asset for APR The 23-year-old midfielder was one of the best players on the field on Tuesday and he capped a brilliant afternoon with a sumptuous striker for his side. Imanishimwe was a delight to watch as he carried APR on his shoulders with his ability to join the attack and also track back to defend in midfield. He was the one player that Rayon Sports could not contain as he tormented them with his power, pace and footwork. If APR is to retain the league, alot will depend on him.
