Who will blink first in title race as Rayon, APR eye Rwandan league glory?

As the Rwandan Premier League heads into its final stretch, the battle for supremacy between archrivals Rayon Sports and APR FC is heating up. With only eight rounds of matches remaining, the two most successful clubs in Rwandan football are locked in a fierce title race, with little separating them in a contest that promises to be thrilling until the very end. Rayon Sports have led the league for most of the season, but a shock 1-0 defeat to Mukura Victory Sports on Saturday, March 29, has put their grip on the title under serious threat. The loss not only reduced their lead at the top of the table to just one point, but it also handed their title rivals, APR, a golden opportunity to close the gap. The following day, APR seized the moment, beating relegation-threatened Vision FC 2-1 to move within a point of Rayon Sports, setting up what promises to be a dramatic finish to the season. For Rayon Sports, the loss to Mukura was a painful blow to their title aspirations. The defeat was especially damaging as it came after a period of strong form that had seen the Blues maintain a comfortable lead at the top of the table. However, their coach, Robertinho Oliveira, remains optimistic. “The championship will end very soon, and there is not much time. We have to put the defeat against Mukura behind us and fight on,” he said after the loss. He acknowledged that the absence of their top scorer, Fall Ngagne, who was sidelined by injury, has had a significant impact on their attacking options. While Abeddy Biramahire has filled in as a striker, Robertinho admitted that it has been a difficult adjustment, given that it is not Biramahire’s natural position. In contrast, APR’s campaign has been a story of resurgence. The defending champions have been steadily closing the gap on Rayon, and a late winner by Mamadou Sy against Vision FC on Sunday has given them renewed momentum. Although the performance was far from convincing, with fans expressing their displeasure at head coach Darko Novic’s tactics, the result was ultimately what mattered most. The Serbian coach has come under scrutiny from fans, who are accustomed to the dominance shown under his predecessor, Thierry Froger. The team’s struggles in the early part of the season and the high expectations set by a significant spending spree in both transfer windows have created a tense atmosphere at APR. The fans are demanding more, and Novic’s ability to manage pressure will be tested in these final matches. Both clubs have a challenging run-in, with tricky fixtures ahead. Rayon Sports will face tough opponents, including Police FC and Etincelles, both of whom have proven to be difficult sides to break down. The Blues will need to regroup quickly and rediscover their attacking verve, especially with the loss of Ngagne hanging over them. APR, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on their rivals’ slip-ups, but their own form has been far from convincing. Despite their superior squad, APR’s performances have lacked the fluidity and dominance that fans expect from a team of their caliber. The pressure is now firmly on Novic to guide the team through these final hurdles. What makes this title race even more intriguing is the unexpected resilience of other clubs in the league. Mukura Victory Sports’ victory over Rayon Sports was a reminder that the top clubs cannot afford to relax. The Huye-based outfit, who are now just one point behind third-placed AS Kigali, are chasing a top-three finish and are proving to be a tough side to break down. Their disciplined approach to defending and counterattacking has made them a difficult opponent for any team this season. Meanwhile, Kiyovu Sports, who have been embroiled in a relegation battle for much of the season, are starting to find their form. A crucial 1-0 win over Police FC has boosted their survival hopes, and with eight games to go, they are just two points away from safety. The Green Baggies will be looking to maintain their momentum and avoid relegation, adding another layer of intrigue to the league’s final weeks. With both Rayon Sports and APR FC heading into the final stretch of the season, the title race remains not only wide open but also too close to call. It’s a battle between two clubs that have dominated Rwandan football for decades, with a combined 29 league titles to their name since the 1994/95 season. APR have won the last five titles in a row, but Rayon Sports, who last lifted the trophy in 2018/19, are determined to end their title drought. Therefore, as the season enters its final phase, the rivalry between these two giants will only intensify. Both teams will need to dig deep, with every point becoming crucial in this thrilling race for the Rwandan Premier League crown. With everything to play for and no margin for error, the stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to what has already been an exciting season in which, at some point, it looked as though the league title was Rayon's to lose.