Friday

AS Kigali 2-2 APR

APR have again slipped in the Azam Rwanda Premier League race drawing 2-2 against AS Kigali at Kigali Stadium on Friday.

It was the champions’ second draw in their last four games, and the third time they have dropped points in as many games, following their goalless draw with SC Kiyovu earlier this week and 1-0 loss to bitter rivals Rayon Sports a fortnight ago.

After the frustrating draw, APR find themselves only two points ahead of second-placed Rayon Sports who have won their last three matches, and are unbeaten in their last 11 games.

Should Rayon see off Police when the two sides meet at Amahoro Stadium on Sunday, the former will leapfrog APR into pole position with four match rounds left.

Yesterday, youngster Lague Byiringiro opened the scoring in the 28th minute to hand the military side a 1-0 first-half lead, but it was cancelled by AS Kigali’s Burundian striker Jean Claude Ndarusanze just three minutes after the break.

After several missed chances on both sides, second-half substitute Ibrahim Nshimiyimana put AS Kigali ahead with a solo effort in the 83rd minute after centre-back Herve Rugwiro failed to stop him from entering box.

Despite looking noticeably dismayed, APR did not give up and the combating spirit helped them to salvage a point on the night with a cool finish from star forward Muhadjiri Hakizimana following a curling cross in the area by new signing Danny Usengimana.

Hakizimana, the 2017/2018 season’s Player of the Year, is second on the leading scorers’ list with 14, just two off Rayon Sports’ Jules Ulimwengu, and one ahead of the latter’s teammate, Michael Sarpong,

APR top the table standings with 59 points, while Rayon are second with 57, and a game in hand.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com