The most anticipated match of Rwanda's handball season will take center stage on Tuesday, June 30, as APR HC and Police HC renew their fierce rivalry in the decisive Game 5 of the Rwanda Men's Handball Championship finals. With the best-of-five series locked at 2-2, only one objective remains: lifting the national championship trophy. Police HC are chasing an 11th league title and a second consecutive championship after sweeping APR HC 3-0 in last season's finals. APR, meanwhile, are seeking their fourth national crown and the chance to complete a remarkable comeback after recovering from a 2-0 deficit to force a winner-takes-all showdown. ALSO READ: APR HC beat Police HC in Game 3 to keep title hopes alive Police appeared destined to retain the title after taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. However, APR responded in emphatic fashion, winning Game 3 by 31-25 before following it up with a 27-24 victory in Game 4 to level the series and set up a dramatic finale. Momentum now appears to be with APR after fighting back from the brink of defeat, while Police will be determined to rediscover the form that saw them dominate the opening two games. APR's resurgence has been driven by captain Jean Paul Muhawenayo, playmaker Alexis Nshimiyimana and Viateur Rwamanywa, who have all played pivotal roles in the comeback. Police, on the other hand, will rely on captain and goalkeeper Peter Kwisanga to organize the defense, while André Akayezu will be expected to spearhead the attack. ALSO READ: Police HC edge closer to title defense after Game 2 win over APR HC Police head coach Antoine Ntabanganyimana insists his side has already moved on from the Game 4 defeat. We played well yesterday, but we were unfortunate not to finish the game the way we wanted. We have put the previous matches behind us, and our full focus is on winning the 11th Rwanda Handball Championship title, Ntabanganyimana said. The experienced coach believes teamwork and determination will make the difference. Fighting spirit and teamwork will be crucial. Both teams are strong, but the key will be managing our players well and staying focused on victory. Beyond the domestic title, Ntabanganyimana has another objective in mind. Our goal is to win the championship and qualify for the African Club Champions League. Captain Kwisanga echoed his coach's confidence, saying his team is embracing the pressure that comes with a title decider. We're not thinking about losing. We're focused on the opportunity to compete, give our best and fight until the final whistle. He believes discipline will ultimately separate the two sides. The key is to stay disciplined, reduce our mistakes, defend aggressively and remain focused for the full 60 minutes. At this stage, the smallest details make the biggest difference. ALSO READ: Police HC edge closer to title defense after Game 2 win over APR HC On the opposite side, APR captain Jean Paul Muhawenayo believes the momentum has shifted in his team's favour. We started the series badly, but we have been the better team in the last two games. I believe we can win the title. The veteran expects another fiercely contested encounter between Rwanda's top two sides. APR and Police are the two strongest teams in the country. Both clubs have highly qualified coaches and experienced players. That's why this final has been so competitive. Muhawenayo also reflected on his return from injury. I suffered a fracture in my right arm on March 9 and spent two months away from the court. Coming back and helping my team reach this stage motivates me to work even harder. Winning the championship, he says, would be especially meaningful. The moment I dream about is lifting the trophy and qualifying for the African Club Champions League. This title would be one of the biggest achievements of my career and would inspire me to achieve even more. With the championship on the line, neither team has room for error. Every possession, every save and every goal could prove decisive. One side stands on the brink of completing a remarkable comeback. The other is determined to finish what it started. After four gripping encounters, the stage is set for a fitting finale to Rwanda's handball season.
