Burkinabe striker Cheikh Djibril Ouatarra proved his predatory instincts once again as his first half strike was enough for APR to beat struggling Muhazi United 1-0 at their own home ground in Ngoma to win the 2024/25 Rwanda Premier League title. The military side have now won their record-extending 23rd title, and their sixth in a row since 2020, after Rayon Sports failed to beat relegated Vision FC at Kigali Pele Stadium as the pair played out a goalless draw. APR had their full arsenals on the pitch with player of the year nominee Ouatarra, Denis Omedi and Gilbert Mugisha leading the attack. Muhazi were, however, without their talisman and skipper Joseph Sackey who is on one-game suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. The Ghanaian is among seven starters who missed the match. ALSO READ: APR FC part ways with coach Darko Novic APR started the game brightly as they used Ouatarra as the target man. He was receiving passes from Ruboneka in midfield as well as Gilbert Mugisha and Denis Omedi from the flanks. Omedi delivered a nice cross into the APR penalty box and Ouatarra poked it past Latif Bishira into the net as the centre back failed to clear the ball from the box. The goal ignited the fighting force of Muhazi as Mohammed Kyeyune controlled the midfield to perfection. But APR were so organized as they turned defending to attack in numerous occasions. They were, however, unlucky to extend the lead as the game ended 1-0 in their favor. The result was good enough to win the title as they opened a four-point lead with 64 points ahead of Rayon who have 60 points. The Blues’ title hopes ended after they were held to a 0-0 draw against Vision, even though the latter was fighting for nothing. Vision FC had to play the final 5 minutes of the game with a man down after as Michael Lutaya was sent off, but Claude Rwaka’s side failed to take the chance to break the deadlock the game ended in stalemate.
