Huye turned blue on Sunday as Rayon Sports beat APR in a cagey Rwandan Premier League week 19 encounter to record their first win over the military side in four years.
Midfielder Eric Ngendahimana was the hero as his 33rd minute strike proved to be the match winner and put Blues’ title winning ambitions back on track.
The game started brightly with great attacking displays from both teams as they took time to explore the approach to break the deadlock in the early stages.
Rayon started to press APR’s defense led by in-form Clement Niyigena and had an easy passage on the left side of attack with Leandre Onana proving to be a tough customer for right back Omborenga Fitina who found him difficult to keep at bay.
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Despite being dominated on ball possession, it was APR who first had a clear chance when striker Yannick Bizimana was neatly played through by Byiringiro Lague but saw his strike saved by goalkeeper Adolphe Hakizimana.
Rayon had a swift counter attack in the 33rd minute in which Leandre Onana was cynically brought down by Bosco Ruboneka who was booked by referee Ruzindana Nsoro after awarding a free kick to the visitors.
Heritier Luvumbu stepped up and delivered a superb free kick which was connected to the roof of the net by Ngendahimana Eric to give Rayon the lead that sent thousands of supporters inside Huye Stadium in wild celebration.
The military side regrouped immediately and started to bombard Rayon’s vital area with Lague Byiringiro in the thick of affairs but Isaac Mitima and Abdul Rwatubyaye stood resolute with some great defending displays as the first half came to an end.
The second half of the game saw Rayon pushing more men forward with APR FC also sitting back to try and catch them on the break.
Ben Moussa brought on Anicet Ishimwe, Fiston Ishimwe, Yves Mugunga and Innocent Nshuti as he went for full attacking play but the Rayon defence looked organized and ready to clear all their effort.
Francis Harigingo, who knew defeat would cost him the job, also took a risk and replaced his key player Heritier Luvumbu who had an incredible performance in the afternoon and brought in new signing Joachim Ojera to boost Rayon’s offensive department.
With ten minutes to end proceedings, Rayon played a very tactical game to buy time considering the attacking prowess of APR.
The Blues stayed in their own half and did the basic things of clearing their lines until the referee blew the final whistle to end the game.
The victory not only ended APR’s dominance during the past four years but also saw Rayon close the gap to within just one point to the league summit.
Haringingo’s side now sit fourth with 36 points and moved level on points with Gasogi United and AS Kigali who are ahead on goal difference. Despite losing the derby, APR stay at the top of the table with 37 points.