Midfielder Ismail ‘Pitchou’ Nshimirimana suffered a serious injury that took the shine out of a great game as APR FC settled for a goalless draw with Rayon Sports in Sunday’s crunch Primus National League derby at Kigali Pele Stadium. The Burundian, who was returning from injury some weks back, was stretched off in the 40th minute following a cynical tackle from Kevin Muhire, a situation that changed the pattern of the game as APR coach Thierry Froger had to restrategize. Both teams started the game brightly as they tried to launch an attack into the vital area of each other. Rayon Sports were a delight to watch in the early stages as their attacking duo of Musa Esenu and Joackiam Ojera threatened the home side’s defense pushing for an early opener. The Blues’ incisive attacking play nearly paid off in the ninth minute when Esenu thought he had opened the scores and wheeled away in celebration only to realize that shot stopper Pavelh Nzila saved it. ALSO READ: APR vs Rayon Sports: Key duels that could decide the derby Congolese attacking midfielder Heritier Luvumbu who was operating just behind Musa Esenu released a ball to Arouna Madjaliwa who found Esenu alone in the box but the striker's effort lacked the needed fire power to beat Ndzila to find the back of the net. ALSO READ: APR host Rayon in classic derby Rayon Sports skipper Abdul Rwatubyaye who was very efficient at the back suffered a knock on his knee in the 19th minute but it was not serious as he came back to the pitch after receiving treatment. After a series of attacking displays from Rayon, APR had a chance to take the lead Gilbert Mugisha in the 24th minute but goalkeeper Simon Tamale made a good move to save the forward’s strike and keep his team in the game. The Ugandan shot stopper was down as Pitchou headed in the ball in the net but Isaac Mitima cleared it on the line. It was an end-to-end affair as both teams explored the vital area of the other but couldn't find the needed goal to break the deadlock. Pitchou was forced off through injury five minutes before halftime following a challenge from Kevin Muhire who was booked for the foul, prompting Froger to make a forced replacement as the Burundian made way for Claude Niyomugabo in the 40th before both teams went level at the break. The second half saw APR controlling the game in the early minutes. Mugisha stole a ball from Hakim Bugingo in the 47th and raced towards Rayon’s goal before firing a grounder which was saved by Tamale. Rayon in return tried to maintain possession of the ball in the heart of midfield with Kevin Muhire and his teammates running down the APR midfield. Both teams did not exert much energy as they did in the first half. They both created fewer chances and could not pose any threat to each other's back four. Rayon had a clear chance to win the game in the 87th minute as Heritier Luvumbu was brought down at the edge of the APR penalty box. Blues players appealed to referee Abdul Twagirumukiza to send Salomon Bindjeme off for the foul but he chose to book him with a yellow card. That was the last crucial chance from both opponents who failed to find the back of the net until the referee blew the final whistle for full time. APR are now second with 18 points, two points behind league leaders who beat AS Kigali 1-0 at Ubworoherane Stadium despite playing part of the second time with a man down after a striker Peter Agblevor was set off for a serious challenge on Citizens’ goalkeeper Yves Kimenyi who broke his tibia and had to be rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
