Bugesera FC held their nerve to secure a pulsating 2–2 draw against APR FC at their home ground in Nyamata on Saturday.
The hosts endured a difficult start, conceding inside the opening four minutes when Mamadou Sy gave APR the lead. However, Bugesera regrouped quickly and were rewarded when star striker Umar Abba struck the equaliser.
APR restored their advantage before the break through a Djibril Ouattara header, heading into halftime with a 2–1 lead.
Bugesera head coach Camarade Banamwana’s halftime team talk had an immediate impact. Just three minutes after the restart, Valua Byishimo caught APR goalkeeper Pierre Ishimwe off guard with a long-range strike that slipped past the shot-stopper to level the score once again.
The draw keeps APR top of the table with 37 points, two clear of Al Hilal, who have played three matches fewer. Taleb Abderrahim’s side also opened a three-point gap over title rivals Police FC, who face AS Kigali at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Sunday.
Bright start for Bekeni as Etincelles end winless run
Elsewhere, Etincelles FC ended a nine-match winless streak with a vital home victory at Umuganda Stadium, thanks to a first-half goal from Pascal Rwigema.
The result marked a dream start for newly appointed head coach Abdou Bekeni Bizimana, who claimed a win in his first match in charge after replacing Djuma Masudi and his entire technical staff earlier this week.
Saturday’s victory was only Etincelles’ second win of the season, their previous triumph having come against Musanze FC in a 3–1 victory at Ubworoherane Stadium on December 13.
Prior to the match, Etincelles had endured a difficult campaign, registering eight draws, one win, and nine defeats.
"It feels good not to be sitting at the bottom of the Rwanda Premier League table anymore after so many days without a win,” Bekeni told Times Sport after the match, praising his players’ determination and fighting spirit.
Supporters echoed the optimism, crediting the improved atmosphere between the coach and players for the turnaround.
"We are overjoyed and hopeful that the team will continue winning,” said fan Yahaya Yusufu. "No club will come here and easily take points away from us anymore.”