Rayon Sports, APR FC share points

Saturday Sunrise 1-1 PoliceMarines 0-0 EspoirRayon Sports 0-0 APR Archrivals Rayon Sports and APR FC played out a goalless draw in a thrilling Azam Rwanda Premier League match at Amahoro Stadium, Remera, on a day of draws in all three matches played on Saturday. Police FC drew 1-1 with Sunrise to go top of the table with 12 points, one ahead of AS Kigali, who play on Sunday against SC Kiyovu at Mumena stadium, Amagaju and APR. Davis Kasirye of Rayon Sports controls the ball during their encounter with APR FC at Amahoro Stadium. (Timothy Kisambira) Rayon Sports moves into 6th position with nine points, level with Mukura, who play away to eighth-placed Gicumbi on Sunday. Rayon Sports assistant coach Sosthene Habimana arrives at Amahoro Stadium. (Timothy KIsambira) Marines and Espoir FC also played out a goalless draw at Tam Tam stadium in Rubavu—the draw moves Alphonse Gatera’s Espoir from 11th to 9th with eight points, while Marines remain 14th with five points. Emery Bayisenge ( L) chats with APR head coach Emmanuel Rubona before the game started at Amahoro Stadium. (Timothy Kisambira) At Amahoro Stadium, the Rwandan ‘Clasico’ between the two biggest clubs in the country, started slowly for both sides with APR using counter-attacks and earned two corners but other that, they didn’t create too much in terms of clear goal scoring opportunities. Match officials warm up before the kick off of the game at Amahoro Stadium. (Timothy Kisambira) Rayon Sports’ Savio Dominique Nshuti, Davis Kasirye and Alex Ndacyayisenga had opportunity to score but were all denied Olivier Kwizera, who had an outstanding afternoon in APR goal. Overall, Rayon Sports, under assistant coach Sosthene Habimana, dominated the defending champions with neat and quick passing in midfield, but APR’s central defense, marshaled by Abdul Rwatubyaye and Faustin Usengimana, stood firm and dealt with every challenge thrown at them. APR captain Albert Ngabo jumps to avoind a tacle from Radjou Niyonkuru of Rayon Sports. (Timothy Kisambira) APR tried had to get goal but Issa Bigirimana, Farouk Ruhinda and Djihad Bizimana failed to troubled much Rayon goalkeeper and captain, Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye. Radjou Niyonkuru of Rayon Sports (L) fights for the ball with Eric Rutanga of APR. (Timothy Kisambira) Rayon Sports’ Burundian midfielder, Pierrot Kwizera was lucky to escape a red card, when referee Claude Ishimwe only booked him for a reckless challenge on Michel Rusheshangoga, which left APR right-back injured and was replaced by Eric Rutanga. Radjou Niyonkuru of Rayon Sports (L) fights for the ball with Albert Ngabo at Amahoro Stadium. (Timothy Kisambira) Rayon Sports fans cheer up their team before the kick off. (Timothy Kisambira) In Rwamagana, Rwanda international Isaie Songa scored his sixth league goal in six games on the 85th minutes to equalize for Andre Casa Mbungo’s Police against Sunrise, after Arafat Bahame had given the home side first minute lead. editorial@newtimes.co.rw