Marines stun Police as Derby day arrives

TodayAPR vs Rayon Sports YesterdayAS Kigali 0-0 MukuraPolice 1-3 MarinesKiyovu 1-1 IsongaGicumbi 0-1 MusanzeSunrise 1-2 AmagajuEspoir 0-1 Etincelles Both APR and Rayon Sports agree that neither the absence of dependable players due to injury and ongoing A’level examinations nor fatigue will hinder the atmosphere of a derby when the two sides face off today. There has been concern in the build up to this profoundly anticipated match that the absence of star players like APR’s Jean Claude Iranzi, who accumulated two yellow cards, as well as James Tubane of Rayon Sports who is undergoing eye treatment will reduce the competitiveness and ambiance. The Blues interim head coach Sosthene Habimana told Times Sports that, “Playing against APR is not just like any other match. In whatever competition we meet them, we always want to win. We are missing key players but that does not change our main aim.” APR head coach Ljubomir Petrovic will miss the services of Charles Tibingana and Andrew Buteera who are yet to get their national identity cards to show that they are Rwandans after a club policy to feature only home grown players. According to Petrovic, his side is ready for the challenge even if he is missing Jean Claude Ndoli who is undergoing rehabilitation after a knee injury in Algeria. The Serb said that he expects the trio of Emery Bayisenge, Michel Rusheshangoga and Yannick Mukunzi to pass a late fitness test as they haven’t trained properly due to A’level examinations. Today’s league tie between APR and Rayon Sports also has another added dimension in that both teams are tied at the top of the league with 10 points but the blues have a superior goal advantage. Meanwhile, Marines yesterday stunned Police FC 3-1 as the Rubavu-based side bagged their first win of the season. Marines also got a crucial point after drawing 1-1 against reigning champions APR in midweek. Musanze registered their first away win after defeating Gicumbi 1-0 while Amagaju went into third position with nine points after a 2-1 away win against Sunrise. Elsewhere, AS Kigali was held to a goalless draw by Mukura at the Kigali regional stadium; while Isonga drew 1-1 against Kiyovu. Etincelles registered their first win of the season with a 1-0 Espoir.