After a brief festive-season break, a packed weekend of sporting action returns, headlined by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reaching its decisive quarter-final stage. Back home in the land of a thousand hills, the Rwanda Premier League (RPL) resumes with matchday 15 fixtures, while volleyball enthusiasts will witness the return of the national volleyball league’s second phase. Weekend Sport brings you a guide to the key sporting events to watch: AFCON 2025 reaches quarter-final stage The 35th Africa Cup of Nations, currently taking place in Morocco, concluded its Round of 16 matches on Tuesday night, with the quarter-final line-up now confirmed. From the 24 nations that started the tournament, only eight teams remain in contention: Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Morocco, Cameroon, and Mali. The teams will contest four blockbuster quarter-final encounters starting on Friday. ALSO READ: AFCON 2025: Who have an edge in the quarterfinals? The action kicks off at 6pm with Mali facing Senegal, followed by hosts Morocco taking on Cameroon at 9pm on Friday night. On Saturday, Algeria will face Nigeria at 6pm, before Egypt lock horns with Côte d’Ivoire later in the evening. Nigeria and Algeria both reached the quarter-finals unbeaten after topping their respective groups with a maximum nine points, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most intense and closely fought encounters. Kiyovu SC vs Police FC headlines RPL matchday 15 In domestic football, Police FC continue to assert themselves as the dominant force in the 2025/26 Rwanda Premier League, currently sitting on top of the standings with 32 points. On Sunday at 3pm, they face Kiyovu SC in what promises to be a decisive clash. Kiyovu have hit peak form in recent weeks, recording three wins and one draw in their last five matches since December 14 last year. The results have propelled them into the top four with 29 points, making Sunday’s encounter crucial for both sides. While Kiyovu will be playing their final fixture of the first leg of the league, Police FC still have one game in hand and will be eager to strengthen their grip on top spot. Other fixtures this weekend include Etincelles FC vs Bugesera FC on Sunday, while AS Muhanga host Gicumbi FC on Friday at 3pm, opening the matchday. ALSO READ: Rutanga retires from professional football at 34 Both Etincelles and AS Muhanga are currently rooted at the bottom of the standings and face the threat of relegation. Victory this weekend is therefore vital as they fight to remain in the top flight. Rayon Sports and APR FC renew rivalry in Super Cup showdown Although rivals APR FC and Rayon Sports are not scheduled to meet in the league this weekend, fans will still be treated to Rwanda’s iconic derby in the FERWAFA Super Cup 2025, set to take place on Saturday at Amahoro Stadium. The Super Cup traditionally brings together the league champions and Peace Cup holders in both the men’s and women’s categories. In the women’s fixture, league champions Rayon Sports WFC will face Indahangarwa WFC. In the men’s category, recent Super Cup history favours Rayon Sports, who have won the last two editions, will face APR FC. ALSO READ: Rayon Vs APR: Ngagne returns to full training ahead of Super Cup derby Rayon Sports have also strengthened their squad ahead of the clash, signing goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera, alongside Ben Aziz Dao, Yannick Bangala Litomba, Bienvenu Joachim Vigninou, and Ramazani Tshimanga Tshilem, all of whom are eligible to feature. APR FC enters the encounter with confidence, having gone unbeaten in their last four meetings with Rayon Sports, winning two and drawing two. Rwanda Volleyball League phase two tips off Volleyball action also returns this weekend as the second phase of the national volleyball league gets underway. Phase one concluded with Gisagara VC leading the men’s category, while APR Women’s Volleyball Club (APR WVC) finished unbeaten in the women’s competition. On Friday at Petit Stade, APR WVC will open phase two against Kepler WVC. The women’s encounter tips off at 4pm, with Kepler, coached by Florien Siborurema, returning to the court under pressure. The club finished fourth in their debut season and currently occupies the same position, hoping for a stronger second-phase performance to signal progress in only their second year in the league. ALSO READ: Gisagara VC close Phase 1 at the top after Kirehe VC win The men’s fixtures follow at 6pm, highlighted by a highly anticipated clash between Gisagara VC and Police VC. The match is expected to draw a large crowd due to its competitive intensity. Police VC, playing at home, will be seeking revenge after suffering defeat at Gisagara’s gymnasium earlier in the season, while Gisagara will aim to start phase two convincingly as they look to maintain their dominance at the top of the standings.
