Defender Clement Niyigena and forward Ramadhan Niyibizi scored in either half as runaway league leaders APR defeated archrivals Rayon Sports 2-0 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday, March 9, to not only maintain their unbeaten run but to also move closer to their fifth straight league title.The victory saw Thierry Froger’s side open a 13-point gap at the top of the table and increase their hopes of the winning the title with six more games to play.The military side started the game brightly as Christian Ishimwe broke down on the left flank in the third minute. He easily dispatched Ali Serumogo but his cross was too high as Victor Mbaoma failed to connect to his pass.The visitors’ early pressure yielded dividends when they opened the scores after just four minutes into the game when Clement Niyigena headed home Alain Kwitonda’s free kick, leaving goalkeeper Khadime Ndiaye unable to save the ball.Niyigena didn’t hesitate to celebrate the goal against his former side considering that he wanted to beat his club’s fierce rivals as the best gift for their fans and the best way to celebrate the 2023/24 league title.READ ALSO: Lwanga eyes first derby win over Rayon SportsRayon re-strategised as coach Julien Mette pushed more men forward looking to pull the scores even.The Blues had their first chance in the 10th minute when Charles Bbaale stole the ball from Yunusu Nshimiyimana but he couldn 't calm his nerves as his hesitant shot was saved by Pavelh Ndzila.Froger adopted a tactical game plan to shut Rayon’s pressure down. Skipper Claude Niyomugabo remained at the heart of midfield as he distributed passes to the flanks where the army side looked very dangerous.Mbaoma beat Hakim Bugingo with pace in the 30th minute and whipped in a delightful cross, Shaiboub was ready to connect but a masterstroke of defending from Isaac Mitima curtailed the danger.Rayon Sports came into the game briefly and had some decent chances through Arsene Tuyisenge and Charles Bbaale but they could not convert them as Ndzila saved their efforts to keep his side in the game.APR found themselves in danger when referee Claude Ishimwe awarded Rayon a free kick after Nshimiyimana brought skipper Kevin Muhire down outside the penalty box in the 40th minute but the resultant free kick was comfortably saved by Ndzila to ensure that his side head into the halftime break leading 1-0.The second half begun with high tempo as both teams launched attacking threats in the early minutes.Rayon looked more purposeful as they pinned APR into their own half. Muhire was tripped by Bosco Ruboneka in the 54th minute but Hakim Bugingo delivered a feeble free kick which posed just a minor danger for goalkeeper Ndzila.Froger brought on Gilbert Mugisha to replace Niyomugabo in the 60th whereas his counterpart Julien Mette also pulled out Hakim Bugingo for Elie Ganujuru.Mugisha benefited from a howler by Rayon goalkeeper Khadime Ndiaye, but his effort hit the side net to the relief of the Rayon fans.Moments later in the 65th minute, Mugisha again beat Francois Mugisha to the ball and set up Shaiboub who immediately fired a shot towards Ndiaye’s goal, but Mitima blocked it as Rayon recovered the ball.The home side launched some pressing and painted APR’s penalty area, but match hero Niyigena used his defensive masterclass to make three timely tackles in the 69th, 70th and 71st minutes to keep his side in the game.Rayon kept their search for a leveler as they dominated ball possession, but Ndzila remained at the rescue with a series of crucial saves.The Congolese shot stopper made an acrobatic save in the 73rd minute to deny Arsene Tuyisenge the equalizer, drawing applause from both the APR and Rayon Sports fans.Mugisha, who had been lively, found space again on the left side of attack as he made mincemeat of the Rayon defense. He delivered a cut back cross for on-rushing Niyibizi who made no mistake but fired past Ndiaye to double APR’s lead in the 79th minute.The goal got the winger emotional as he removed his jersey while celebrating the goal after which referee Ishimwe booked him.The final 10 minutes of the game saw APR sitting deep and trying to catch Rayon on the counter relying on Mugisha and Kwitonda’s pace on the flanks to great effects.APR held on to the 2-0 lead until the referee blew his final whistle for the end of the game.The victory saw APR extend their lead at the top of the table with 58 points after 24 games, 13 points clear of Rayon Sports who are second with 45 points.With the lead, the league leaders now need to win just two of their remaining fixtures to lift their fifth league title in a row and 22nd overall.
