Azam Rwanda Premier League: Marines frustrate APR FC as Amagaju remain top

SundayRayon Sports vs SC Kiyovu 3:30pmMusanze vs Bugesera SaturdayAS Kigali 2-0 MiroplastEspoir 1-1 EtincellesAPR FC 1-1 MarinesSunrise FC 1-0 GicumbiAmagaju 2-0 Kirehe FC APR FC were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Marines on match-day two of the Azam Rwanda Premier League at Umuganda Stadium on Saturday, while Amagaju FC maintained their perfect start after winning 2-0 at home to Kirehe FC. In Rubavu, former Etincelles and APR striker Arafat Bahame gave Marines the lead as early as the fourth minute before Rwanda international midfielder Djihad Bizimana equalized for the record 16-time league champions in the 19th minute. The game was stopped for about 20 minutes due to heavy downpour at Umuganda Stadium. During the game APR left-back Emmanuel Imanishimwe suffered a leg injury that could keep him out for about three weeks, according to APR team doctors. Jimmy Mulisa’s team moved one place to third in the table with four points having claimed victory in the season opener 2-0 over Sunrise FC. Amagaju beat 2-0 Kirehe in Nyamagabe to stay top of the league table as the only team with a 100 percent record after two rounds of matches. Pablo Nduwimana’ team, which won their season opener 3-1 against Bugesera FC two weeks ago, notched their second win in Saturday thanks to goals from Amani Mugisho and Tresor Ndikumana in the 34th and 89th minutes respectively. Elsewhere, Eric Nshimiyimana’s AS Kigali jumped up to fourth place following a 2-0 victory over newcomers Miroplast FC at Kigali Stadium. Jean Claude Ndarusanze netted opening goal in the 31st minute and Emmanuel Ngama increased the lead in the 44th minute to keep the City of Kigali side unbeaten on four points. At Kamarampaka Stadium in Rusizi, home side Espoir played out a 1-1 draw against Etincelles. Sunrise FC drew goalless against Gicumbi in Nyagatare. Actions will continue on Sunday when defending champions Rayon Sports host rivals SC Kiyovu at Kigali Stadium. Kiyovu will be seeking to revenge for the defeat on the final day of last season. The 2-1 defeat saw Kiyovu relegated to the second division for the first time in the club’s 53-year history but were handed a second chance to stay after promoted Isonga FC withdrew from participating in the topflight league. Elsewhere on Sunday, Musanze will host Bugesera at Ubworoherane Stadium. editorial@newtimes.co.rw