Striker Osee Iyabivuze scored a solitary goal that helped AS Kigali to defeat Kiyovu Sports 1-0 scoreline in the Primus National League week 17 encounter at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday, January 20.

The Citizens paraded all their arsenals led in attack by former Kiyovu Sports striker Erisa Keith Ssekisambu and Kevin Ebene.

Gradually, AS Kigali warmed themselves into the game with Rafael Osaluwe pulling the strings in the heart of midfield. Both teams exchanged ball possessions and created chances that could have resulted in goals at both ends but it was Guy Bukasa’s side that broke the deadlock as Iyabivuze opened the scoring with a sublime finish in the 40th minute.

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After the goal, the tempo of the game increased as Kiyovu came firing from all angles but they could not beat goalkeeper Adolphe Hakizimana as the first half ended 1-0 for AS Kigali.

The second half saw AS Kigali taking control of the game. Fiston Ishimwe, Ebene and Iyabivuze all had decent chances to increase the tally but goalkeeper Djihad Nzeyurwanda pulled some nice saves to keep the home side at bay.

Kiyovu Sports lifted up their game during the last 10 minutes of the game but they lacked the needed instincts upfront as the game ended 1-0.

The win has now moved AS Kigali out of the drop zone, climbing up to 13th on the league table with 17 points.

Other games

At Ngoma Stadium, struggling Etoile de l'Est were held to a 2-2 draw Eastern Province rivals Sunrise FC whereas Musanze returned to winning ways as they traveled to Nyamata to beat Bugesera 2-1. Solomon Adeyinka and Kokoete were on target for the visitors who are back in the title race after moving level on 33 points with league leaders APR FC who have played two games less.

Elsewhere, Amagaju went to Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu to beat Étincelles 1-0. Abdul Rahman Rukundo scored the lone goal through a 14th minute penalty.