Sunday APR 1-0 Mukura Espoir3-2Gasogi Musanze 1-1 Rayon Kiyovu 2-1 Heroes
Central defender Ange Mutsinzi was the match winner as APR beat Mukura 1-0 on Sunday to extend their unbeaten record in Rwanda Premier League.
It was the centre-back’s second league goal in the 2019/2020 campaign, his first with APR since departing Rayon Sports in June.
Mutsinzi, 21, scored a 84th-minute strike to make the all-important difference in what seemed to be headed into a barren draw at Kigali Stadium. With the victory, APR are one of the only two unbeaten teams this season, along with archrivals Police.
"I am happy for the goal, but mostly I am happy for the victory. Mukura gave us a hard time, but we kept working hard and it paid off,” said Mutsinzi.
The hard-fought win sends 17-time champions APR back to the top of the league table standing with 17 points, two ahead of second-placed Police. The latter thrashed AS Kigali 3-0 on Saturday.
"We are still at the beginning of a new season. We will need to stay focused and give our best in every game. That’s how the league is won.”
However, despite the defeat, Tony Hernandez’s Mukura remained in third position with 14 points, level with SC Kiyovu who complete top four.
Rayon woes continue
In the meantime, Rayon Sports’ title defence suffered another blow as they were held by struggling Musanze to a 1-all draw at Ubworoherane Stadium, in Musanze District.
The Blues had taken the lead through Jean Claude Iranzi two minutes after the break, but Ally Sova Moussa levelled in the 66th minute for the hosts.
Rayon, who are now winless in their last three matches, missed a host of clear chances in both halves and had what would have been a winning goal from Ghanaian striker Michael Sarpong disallowed after assistant referee Ambroise Hakizimana ruled it offside.
With the draw, Rayon remain fifth, with 12 points after seven match rounds, while Musanze – who have only picked 5 points – lie in 14th position, only ahead of Heroes FC (4 points) and bottom side Gicumbi, who have 3 points.
Next up for Rayon Sports’ Mexican coach Javier Martinez will be a home game against eighth-placed Marines at Kigali Stadium on Wednesday.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com