Results
Saturday
Gicumbi 2–0 AS Muhanga
Etincelles 2–1 APR
Mukura 1–0 Al Merrikh
Etincelles boosted their relegation survival hopes and dealt a major blow to APR’s title ambitions with a 2–1 victory in a Rwanda Premier League clash at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu on Saturday.
The Rubavu-based side struck twice in quick succession during the first half, with Awadi Iraguha opening the scoring in the 29th minute before Anselme Dusabimana doubled the lead just four minutes later.
Iraguha’s goal set the tone for the hosts while Dusabimana’s finish put them firmly in control as they pushed for all three points.
APR pulled one back deep into stoppage time through Djibril Ouattara, who scored in the 90+6th minute, but it proved too little, too late for the defending champions.
APR struggled throughout the match, as Etincelles created more chances and controlled large spells of the game. The contest lacked intensity, with a subdued first half followed by an even less impressive second period, during which the visitors failed to produce meaningful efforts on goal.
As the game wore on, APR’s attacking threat faded, allowing Abdul Beken Bizimana’s side to comfortably manage proceedings.
The win lifts Etincelles to 25 points, though they remain 16th on the table, while APR stay second with 52 points, missing an opportunity to strengthen their title push.
Elsewhere, Mukura Victory Sports secured a 1–0 win over Al Merrikh at Kamena Stadium which is the current temporary home the Huye-based side.
Zuberi Hakizimana scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute.
At Kigali Pelé Stadium, Gicumbi FC defeated AS Muhanga 2–0, deepening the latter's relegation. Steven Niwenshuti broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, and Clement Bitwayiki Bahati sealed the victory with a stoppage-time goal in the 90+2nd minute.
The title race could take a new twist should Rayon Sports beat Rutsiro FC on Sunday at Umuganda Stadium. The win would see the Blues cut the gap between them with APR to six points. The two perennial rivals have a match between them on May 2 at Amahoro Stadium.
AS Kigali returned to winning ways when they traveled to Rubavu to beat Marines FC 1-0. Rachid Kalisa score the lone goal to power the Citizens to 12th place with 27 points while Marines stayed in 8th place with 37 points.
In other matches, Gasogi United beat Gorilla FC 2-1 while Amagaju FC beat Musanze FC 2-0 at Ubworoherane Stadium.