Rayon Sports were held to a 1-1 draw by AS Kigali during Sunday’s league clash in Bugesera to not only let APR open a three-point lead ahead of them but also drop to third behind Kiyovu who beat Etincelles 2-1 in Rubavu to climb to second.
It was a tale of two halves on Sunday, March 12, as home side AS Kigali and the Blues settled for a 1-1 draw in a highly-competitive encounter.
Rayon Sports dominated the first half before the home side lifted their game in the second half and took control of the game to force a draw.
The game started brightly with lots of intensity as both clubs sought to get into the other's vital area.
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The first clear chance fell to Andre Casa Mbungo’s side in the 15th minute as a defensive mishap saw Hussein Shabani steal the ball from Elie Ganijuru only for goalkeeper Adolphe Hakizimana to save the ball as the experienced striker shot straight into his waiting arms.
Rayon took control with some delightful displays in attack, especially from Leandre Onana. Ugandan forward Joackim Ojera broke the deadlock in the 21st minute as he received a corner kick, beat his marker Lawrence Juma before placing the ball in the far top corner of the net with goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari stranded in the post.
It was Ojera's third successive goal in three league games.
AS Kigali could have quickly restored parity in the 25th minute but Jibrine Akuki's lob over Hakizimana, who was off his line, sailed over the bar to the relief of the Rayon fans.
The away side looked the better side as AS Kigali chased the game. They resorted to bringing down the Rayon attackers in dangerous areas and were always complaining about clear referee decisions against them rather than concentrating on the game.
AS Kigali’ aggressive display saw skipper Latif Bishira and Olivier Seif being booked whereas their substitute goalkeeper Frederick Odhiambo was also given a yellow card for trying to attack the referee.
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The first half ended with Rayon leading 1-0 and being clearly the better side.
The visitors went to sleep in the second half as they allowed the likes of Jibrine Akuki to get behind their defense.
Casa Mbungo decided to use the wide areas as he brought on Moise Nyarugabo for Ally Kwitonda in the 67th minute and it worked perfectly.
AS Kigali, after incessant pressure on Rayon, equalized in the 68th minute through Lawrence Juma who blasted an effort into the net from close range from a goal mouth melee after Jibrine had sent in a cross from the left.
Rayon were forced to make a change in the 77th minute as shot stopper Hakizimana, who was in pain after injuring his hand, had to make way for Bonheur Hategekimana.
AS Kigali pinned Rayon Sports to their own half in the final ten minutes of the game and also in injury time but the Blues defense led by Abdul Rwatubyaye were very solid as the game ended 1-1.
Iradukunda shocks Etincelles
Kiyovu became the first top team this season to pick all three points against Etincelles at Umuganda Stadium when they beat them 2-1. Fred Muhozi gave the Mumena-based side the lead in the 26th minute before Hussein Ciza equalized for the home team in the 49th minute.
Bertrand Iradukunda then netted the match winner for the Green Baggies in the 85th minute and inspired them to snatch a victory that saw them overtake to book second place and keep making league leaders APR look behind their shoulders as the race for the title continues.
Elsewhere, at Ubworoherane Stadium, a 94th minute penalty beautifully converted by Patrick Ntijyinama was all that Musanze needed to beat Gorilla by 1-0.