Striker Victor Mbaoma continues his goal scoring form as his match-winning penalty helped APR overcome Sunrise FC with a 1-0 hard-fought win at Nyagatare Stadium on Wednesday.
APR, who knew a win would move them to the summit on the table standings, were in total control of the game from kickoff.
They had their first chance in the fifth minute as Ismail Nshimirimana latched on to a superb ball from Alain Kwitonda but his effort flew over the post.
Sunrise FC took long to settle in the game but they were able to string a couple of passes together though they failed to find their target man Yafesi Mubiru.
Leon Uwambajimana was superb in the midfield of Sunrise FC with his combative style of play as he won most of the 50-50 balls.
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Kwitonda, who was proving to be APR's best player on the day, weaved through the Sunrise defense but saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Didier Mfashingabo in the 25th minute.
Later on, Mbaoma found space in front of the Sunrise defense after he beat two players before he saw his final delivery blocked.
Sunrise, however, maintained their resilience as the visitors struggled to break the deadlock until the teams headed for the half time break.
Thierry Froger’s charges started from where they left off in the first half with their free-flowing football leaving the home side with no clue. The visitors made crucial attacking threats but they failed the capitalize on their chances as Sunrise FC were let off the hook on numerous occasions.
Mbaoma remained lively in attack as he switched to the right side. He was brought down in the 75th minute just outside the penalty box as he tried to dribble into the 18-yard box.
Nshimirimana elected himself to effect the free kick and he curled a sublime effort which hit the post to the relief of goalkeeper Didier Mfashingabo.
With six minutes to full time, Gilbert Mugisha produced the moment of the game. He dribbled past two Sunrise players before being hacked down inside the penalty box. The referee pointed to the spot as he awarded a penalty to the army side.
Mbaoma stepped up and sent Mfashingabo the wrong way to give APR a 1-0 lead in the 85th minute.
APR pushed for the second goal to ensure safety for their three points but Sunrise stood resolute at the back until the referee blew his final whistle.
Froger’s side has now moved top of the table with 25 points from 11 games, opening a two-point gap between them and second-place Musanze. Police remain third with 22 points despite losing Tuesday’s crunch encounter to Rayon Sports who are fourth with 20 points.