Gasogi United will be looking to complete a double over Rayon Sports when the two teams square off at Bugesera Stadium on Saturday, February 18, in yet another Rwanda Premier League week 20 duel. The pair will be up against each other for the eighth time since 2019 when Gasogi were promoted to the topflight league. The Blues have an upper hand in the past seven meetings, winning three, drawing three and losing once. Gasogi's only win came on December 23, 2022 when they beat Rayon 1-0 during the last game of the first round of the league. This season, Gasogi have been in splendid form and are currently tied with the Blues on 36 points just a point behind joint-leaders APR FC and AS Kigali. The latter was held to a 2-2 draw with Sunrise during Thursday’s game held at Bugesera Stadium. Head to head Gasogi are unbeaten in their last five league outings, winning three and drawing two whereas Rayon, in the past five league games, lost once, drawn twice and won two games including Sunday’s 1-0 derby victory over rivals APR at Huye Stadium. The game will be very competitive due to the fact that a win for any of the two could see them climb to the top of the league table depending on how APR will fare on Sunday when they face Etincelles. After the derby win over APR, Haringingo’s men will be brimming with confidence as they come up against another title contender in the shape of Gasogi, the Rwanda Premier League surprise package so far this season. Gasogi, on the other hand, has been very resilient, playing with so much confidence and always going all out. Coach Paul Kiwanuka has put a sense of self-belief in his players and they have come out of tight situations with great results. Key players to watch Abdul Rwatubyaye (Rayon Sports) The Rayon Sports skipper played his first game for the club in three months last week in their 1-0 victory over APR and brought confidence back to the club's defense. His return in defense did the magic. His leadership was pivotal in ensuring stability as his side went on to keep a clean sheet against the military side. Haringingo expects the ‘Shark’ to be very essential again against the attacking threat of Maxwell Djoumekou and Theodore Malipangu on Saturday. Theodore Malipangu (Gasogi) The Central African Republic striker has nine goals to his name so far in the league so far and his telepathic understanding with Maxwell Djoumekou has been excellent. Malipangu can play anywhere across the attack depending on the system Paul Kiwanuka is deploying. He will be instrumental if Gasogi are to pick the maximum points. Other Games Bugesera FC vs Rutsiro In their past four league games, three have ended in draws with Rutsiro picking the solitary win which was on December 21, 2022 in Gisenyi. New Bugesera coach Eric Nshimiyimana will be hoping to break this jinx by getting the club's first ever league win over Rutsiro. Gorilla vs Espoir Gorilla have been struggling in their last three games and were far from convincing in midweek, with their full set, as they drew 2-2 with a makeshift Sunrise FC team. Espoir have also been poor as they fight to go out of the relegation zone. Nevertheless, Gorilla must make good use of their home advantage if they are to amass the three maximum points. Kiyovu vs Marines Kiyovu should be home and dry to pick the three maximum points at stake against Marines. The Rubavu-based side could, however, prove a hard nut to crack knowing very well that a win could aid them in their quest to get out of the relegation zone depending on Rwamagana City’s result against Mukura. In Huye. Yves Rwasamanzi’s men went away to beat Sunrise in Nyagatare last week and are in a positive mood to maintain their confidence ahead of their trip to Muhanga hoping to bring an upset to the Green Baggies. Mukura vs Rwamagana City This week, players of Rwamagana City nearly boycotted training because they have not been paid their monthly wages for over two months. Psychologically, they may not be in the right frame of mind and, going to Huye, chances are scarce that they can survive against Mukura. Police vs Musanze Musanze are chasing their first win in the second round of the league while Police have recorded some decent results including a 2-1 win over AS Kigali though they lost to Rwamagana City. The game looks dicey and though Police FC are favorites given the likes of Eric Nsabimana and Muhajiri Hakizimana have been lethal against opposing sides. APR vs Etincelles The biggest game of the week aside from the match between Gasogi and Rayon. Etincelles are on a nine league game unbeaten run since their defeat to Marines FC in November 2022. They have played some beautiful football and they are now among the title contenders. Victory in Bugesera would see them shake the table at 36 points. Menawhile, APR remain at the top of the table with 37 points despite losing 1-0 last week to Rayon. The Army club were held to a 1-1 draw by Etincelles in the first round in Gisenyi with Moro Sumaila scoring the equalizer. The game looks tough on paper with the club which takes its chances likely to carry the day. APR will have to deal with the services of Lague Byiringiro who is expected to watch the game from the stands as he is now packing his bags ahead of Sandvikens move to Sweden. Other notable absentees include defender Clement Niyigena and Jean Bosco Ruboneka are suspended for one game after they were both booked during Rayon’s derby to complete three yellow cards.
