APR face Vita Club in pre-season final today

Saturday Third PlaceSC Kiyovu vs Rayon Sports 1:30pm FinalAPR FC vs AS Vita Club 4pm Sixteen-time national league champions APR FC have their eyes set on winning the inaugural ‘AS Kigali Pre-season Tournament’ when they face Congolese giants AS Vital Club in a title decider this afternoon at Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali. Interim head coach Yves Rwasamanzi is keen to get his first trophy with APR as he faces his AS Vital Club counterpart Frolent Ibenge for the second time in this competition following the goalless draw in the group stages. “We know the game will be tough but we will try to cause them problems and also minimise any possible mistakes because AS Vital Club are an organised and strong side,” said the former Isonga and SC Kiyovu coach. He added, “It’s a pre-season tournament but we want to win it, the final will be a big game for both teams, however; our target was to reach the final and win the trophy.” Rwasamanzi further noted that, “We have good players and I think this team can beat anyone. We are determined to win, but we know it will be difficult.” APR FC thrashed traditional rivals Rayon Sports 3-0 in the semi-final on Thursday night while AS Vital Club defeated SC Kiyovu, thanks to a lone strike from Amavubi and former AS Kigali forward Ernest Sugira. Ibenge, who also doubles as the head coach of DR Congo national team, said that his team has gained a lot from competing in the tournament, but he would be more satisfied if they can return to Kinshasa with the trophy. “We came here to prepare for our national league and CAF Champions League but we got a chance of playing against big teams in Rwanda, we know APR because we met in the group stage, so we have to be prepared,” said the man who guided DR Congo to the 2016 CHAN title in Rwanda early this year. The semi-final match between APR and Rayon Sports was their third derby this year and the military side was looking for revenge after losing the previous two meetings 4-0 in the league second round and 1-0 in the Peace Cup final. SC Kiyovu and Rayon Sports will also meet in the third-place playoff match in an earlier kickoff at Amahoro National Stadium. Kiyovu beat Rayon Sports 2-1 when the two sides met on the group stage on Tuesday. editorial@newtimes.co.rw