Saturday results
Police FC 2-1 APR FC
Kiyovu Sports 2-1 Gorilla FC
Marines FC 2-1 Rutsiro FC
Sunrise FC vs Etincelles FC
Mukura VS 3-2 Espoir FC
APR’s title hopes were dealt to a huge blow as Saturday’s 2-1 shock defeat to Police at Kigali Pelé Stadium saw them surrender the top spot to high-flying Kiyovu.
First half goals form Didier Mugisha and Dominique Savio Nshuti were enough to help the law enforcers register their first victory against the military side since 2012.
Vincent Mashami’s men started the game aggressively and were dominant in the first 10 minutes as Nshuti tried to set up Osee Iyabivuze but he failed to convert the cross.
Police FC scored broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Mugisha smashed Mosi Rurangwa’s cross past goalkeeper Pierre Ishimwe to give his side the lead.
Ben Moussa’s men had lost possession against a well-organised police side which doubled the lead in the 38th minute through winger Dominique Savio Nshuti.
APR FC players tried to regroup to get back into the game and pulled one back in 42nd minute through Fiston Ishimwe as they went into the break trailing 2-1.
Ben Moussa made a tactical change, introducing Innocent Nshuti who came in for Ramadhan Niyibizi after half time break as he looked to reinforce the attack.
The visitors started the second half with a high-pressing game as they were pushing for an equalizer but the likes of Muhajiri Hakizimana’s impressive display in midfield and a couple of saves from Janvier ‘Rihungu’ Kwizera kept APR at bay.
APR FC made two more changes as Ben Moussa brought in Anicet Ishimwe and Alain Bacca Kwitonda for Yannick Bizimana and Fiston Ishimwe as the coach was hoping to see their pace making impact.
Police used their few chances and scored the third goal which was controversially disallowed by the fourth match official who insisted that goalscorer Osee Iyabivuze was offside although centre referee and the assistant referee had confirmed that it was a goal.
It was a decision that sparked altercations among players from both teams especially after Twagirumukiza and his assistants agreed to ruled the goal out for offside.
APR FC continued to look for an equalizer but the match ended 2-1.
Their defeat was good news for Kiyovu who climbed to the league table summit with 56 points after beating Gorilla FC 2-1 at Muhanga Stadium.
Elsewhere, the match between Rwamagana City and Rayon Sports was postponed after 27 minutes due to downpour. They teams were at the time level 1-1 at Ngoma Stadium.
The league title is now SC Kiyovu’s to lose as they opened a three-point lead ahead of APR FC who dropped to second with 53 points.