APR vs Vipers CECAFA Kagame Cup Preview
APR of Rwanda will be looking to secure a place in the CECAFA Kagame Cup knockout stage when they face Uganda’s Vipers in their final Group A fixture.
With the Ugandans also keen to stay perfect in the competition, both teams will be fired up for this one and could be set to serve up goals.
Key Stats
- APR have scored in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- APR have conceded in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Vipers have scored in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
No Previous Meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between APR and Vipers.
APR Back in the Mix
APR are coming off a 3-1 victory over CF GR/SIAF in their previous Group A fixture. Djibril Ouattara scored a first-half brace while Mamadou Traore was also on target as they saw out the win despite a late effort from the Djiboutians.
That was a solid return to winning ways for APR, who had begun their campaign with a 5-0 defeat to Gor Mahia. The result also means they are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches, and another win on Thursday would guarantee a place in the knockout stage.
APR showed their attacking quality in the win over CF GR/SIAF and have also scored in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, they are without a clean sheet in eight of those 10 fixtures.
Vipers Cruising in Group A
Vipers edged out a 1-0 victory over Gor Mahia in their previous fixture. It was closely fought throughout the contest and looked to be headed for a draw before Gusto Mulongo struck the winner deep into added time.
That was the second straight win for Vipers, who began their campaign with a 3-0 victory over CF GR/SIAF. They have now booked a place in the knockout stage but will be keen to maintain their momentum.
Vipers’ showings at the Kagame Cup are a continuation of their overall form as they are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions. They also look sharp going forward and have scored in eight of those 10 fixtures.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
APR (4-3-3): Adolphe Hakizimana; Christian Ishimwe, Yunusu Nshimiyimana, Gilbert Byiringiro, Madou Zon; Ronald Ssekiganda, Mamadou Traore, Raouf Dao; Kouadiokan Amani, Djibril Ouattara, William Togui.
APR came away from the last clash with no injuries or suspensions and should stick with the team that started. Ouattara should lead the line once again following his brace, while Nshimiyimana is expected to continue at the back.
Vipers (4-3-3): Loyce Mbaba; Achraf Mandela, Hilary Mukundane, Kevin Dasylva, Nicholas Mwere; Joel Sserunjogi, Karim Watambala, Farouk Miya; Odili Chukwuma, Arafati Usama, Gusto Mulongo.
Having already qualified to the knockout stage, Vipers are likely to make a few changes to the team. Chukwuma, Arafat and Mulongo could return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench last time out.
** Odds and Match Prediction will be Updated**