APR FC and Rayon Sports Rivalry! What to Expect in the Second Half of the Rwanda Premier League

The first half of the league ended with Rayon Sports leading the standings with 36 points, closely followed by APR FC with 31 points. Meanwhile, Vision FC and Kiyovu Sports found themselves struggling to avoid relegation to the second division.

Despite some strong performances from top teams in the first half of the season, some fans were left unsatisfied due to the difficulty their teams faced in securing victories. However, as teams reinforce their squads ahead of the second half of the season, many are preparing to contend more competitively.

At the end of the first half, Senegalese forward Fall Ngagne led the league's top scorers with nine goals, followed by Hussein Ciza Seraphin of Amagaju with eight goals and Abba Umar of Bugesera FC with seven goals.

In preparation for the second half of the season, several teams have made significant reinforcements to challenge for the title. The four main contenders are AS Kigali, Police FC, Rayon Sports, and APR FC. However, despite AS Kigali and Police FC being among the contenders, the championship has historically been won by either Rayon Sports or APR FC.

While these four teams are expected to compete fiercely, APR FC and Rayon Sports remain the favorites for the title. Police FC and AS Kigali have often performed well but have yet to win a league title, making APR FC and Rayon Sports the usual champions.

Currently, there is a 13-point gap between league leaders Rayon Sports (36 points) and fourth-placed Police FC (23 points). However, the second half of the season is expected to bring intense competition.

Regarding squad reinforcements, Police FC only added Byiringiro Lague. APR FC strengthened its squad by signing Cheik Djibril Ouattara, Hakim Kiwanuka, and Denis Omedi.

Rayon Sports, determined to perform well in the second half, signed players such as Biramahire Abedi, Assana Nah Innocent, Adulai Jalo, and Souleymane Daffe. AS Kigali also made notable additions, including Haruna Niyonzima, Nshimirimana Jospin, Arthur, and Rudasingwa Prince.

The biggest storyline heading into the second half of the season is the anticipated rivalry between APR FC and Rayon Sports. Both clubs have made strategic signings to strengthen their squads, particularly in attacking positions. APR FC's new signings Hakim Kiwanuka, Denis Omedi, and Djibril Ouattara are all forwards, while Rayon Sports also signed mainly attacking players, with the exception of one midfielder.

Apart from the title race, the battle for survival will also be fierce. While Kiyovu Sports and Vision FC currently sit in the relegation zone, other teams such as Etincelles FC, Muhazi United, and Marines FC are also at risk.

As the second leg kicks off with Matchday 16, key fixtures to watch include AS Kigali vs. Bugesera FC, Rutsiro vs. Police FC, APR FC vs. Bugesera, and Rayon Sports vs. Musanze FC.

In the second half of the Rwanda Premier League, a fierce battle is expected between APR FC and Rayon Sports as they compete for the title

Rayon Sports finished the first half of the league in the top position

Teams including Kiyovu Sports will be fighting to avoid relegation to the second division.