APR rout Kiyovu as Rayon falter again

APR yesterday produced a performance worthy of champions after brushing aside Kiyovu 5-0 in the topflight National Football League.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014
APR players celebrate after a recent league victory. The league leaders thrashed Kiyovu 5-0 to maintain a 3 point lead in the National Football League. (Timothy Kisambira)

APR 5-0 Kiyovu

Marines 1-1 Rayon SportsAS Kigali 1-0 EspoirSunrise 1-0 GicumbiPolice 1-0 EtincellesMukura 1-0 MusanzeAmagaju 1-0 Isonga

APR yesterday produced a performance worthy of champions after brushing aside Kiyovu 5-0 in the topflight National Football League.

The victory, the team’s biggest this season, moves the champions to 26 points after11 games.

The army side made a slow start in the first half after several wasted chances by striker Bertrand Iradukunda and winger Jean Claude Iranzi.

But coach Ljubomir Petrovic’s half time pep talk seemed to have rejuvenated his players who went on to dominate possession in the second half, resulting in three quick goals, including a Maxime Sekamana brace, and another from Yannick Mukunzi.

Substitute Michel Ndahinduka netted another brace to hand the table leaders’ fans a perfect Christmas gift.

"We are happy with this win because Kiyovu are not an easy team. Several players returned from injury and we have been working hard to make sure that we go into the New Year strong,” said Vincent Mashami, the assistant coach of APR.

Meanwhile Rayon Sports faltered again drawing 1-1 against Marines in Rubavu.

Ismael Uwihoreye opened the scoring for the home side in the 54th minute before captain Fuadi Ndayisenga equalised for the Blues 11 minutes later but that’s all the visitors could afford.

Rayon Sports are yet to win a game under head coach Andy Magloire Mfutila and are now fourth with 19 points from 11 games.

Mfutila took over the former champions last month and his side has since drawn 2-2 against Kiyovu, lost to Police FC 2-1 in the semi-final of the Ombudsman Cup before drawing 1-1 with Sunrise, and then losing to AS Kigali in a league encounter. Yesterday’s draw ensured a five-game winless streak for the Congolese tactician who is already under pressure.

Meanwhile, AS Kigali remained in the second position on the table standings with a 1-0 win against Espoir at the Kigali regional stadium as Eric Nshimiyimana’s side seek to keep in touch with leaders APR.