As another action-packed week draws to a close, the sports world is once again setting the stage for a thrilling weekend. All eyes will be on Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, where Senegal lock horns with host nation Morocco in a high-stakes battle to crown Africa’s new kings of football. Back home in Kigali, football fans will still have plenty to savour despite the conclusion of scheduled Rwanda Premier League (RPL) fixtures, as arch-rivals Rayon Sports and APR FC turn their focus to additional matches against South Sudanese opposition. ALSO READ: Adel Amrouche relieved of his duties at Amavubi Volleyball lovers in the Southern Province have not been left out either, with the Rwanda Volleyball League making a welcome return to Gisagara District. From football’s biggest continental prize to domestic and regional clashes, Times Sport rounds up everything you need to follow this weekend. Senegal face Morocco in AFCON final showdown After three years away from the final stage, Senegal return to the AFCON decider, while host nation Morocco chase their first continental title since 1976. The two sides will meet to determine who lifts Africa’s most prestigious football trophy. On Wednesday, the Lions of Teranga, inspired by African football star Sadio Mané, booked their place in the final after defeating Egypt, with Mané finding the back of the net. Later that night, Morocco battled Nigeria through 90 tense minutes before prevailing 4–2 on penalties, ending the Super Eagles’ hopes. The final will kick off at 7:00 PM GMT at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Meanwhile, Egypt and Nigeria will contest the third-place playoff on Saturday, January 17, at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, starting at 5:00 PM CET. Additional Rwanda Premier League fixtures After suffering a 4-0 defeat that cost them the Super Cup, Rayon Sports returns to action on Friday with an additional league fixture against Al Hilal SC. The Gikundiro side enters the match as underdogs, having managed only two wins in their last five head-to-head encounters, while Al Hilal remain unbeaten during that period. ALSO READ: Rayon president Murenzi confident ahead of Al Hilal tie Rayon Sports will also be without Asman Ndikumana, who is suspended by head coach Bruno Ferry. The match will be hosted at Kigali Pelé Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 PM. On the other hand, APR FC, currently riding high after asserting dominance over their traditional league rivals—will face Al Merrikh on Saturday. The South Sudanese side arrives with a mixed run of form, having recorded three draws and two wins in their recent outings. The match is set to begin at 5:00 PM. Volleyball returns to Gisagara The third day of Phase Two of the 2025/26 Rwanda Volleyball League season will take place at the Gisagara Gymnasium, a venue that delivered thrilling moments during the first phase. On that occasion, the home side impressed fans by defeating Police VC, while Kepler VC stunned APR VC. Attention now turns to whether that momentum will continue. The women’s teams APR and Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) will open the volleyball weekend on Friday at 6:00 PM. ALSO READ: Who are the five coaches in race for national volleyball team job? Later, Rwanda Energy Group (REG),who endured a tough outing previously, will face Kepler VC, who are also looking to bounce back after suffering a 3–0 defeat to APR in their Phase Two debut. The action continues on Saturday, as Gisagara VC enjoy home advantage against APR VC, a matchup that promises fireworks after APR failed to fully assert themselves at the same venue earlier. The weekend’s volleyball action will conclude on Sunday, with Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC) taking on APR VC.
