Al Hilal SC returned to the summit of the Rwanda Premier League after a disciplined 2–0 victory over APR FC on Wednesday at Kigali Pelé Stadium in a rescheduled matchday 15 fixture. Head coach Laurențiu Reghecampf rotated his squad, resting several regular starters ahead of Saturday’s crucial CAF Champions League clash against FC St-Eloi Lupopo in Kigaki on Saturday, February 14. ALSO READ: APR, Al Hilal battle for top spot in crunch league showdown APR FC coach Abderrahim Taleb was also forced into changes. Captain Claude Niyomugabo missed out through illness, while goalkeeper Pierre Ishimwe was dropped following costly errors in the 2–2 draw with Bugesera FC. Adolphe Hakizimana was handed a start between the posts. The army side began on the front foot and created early openings. In the seventh minute, Dauda Yussif tested Mohamed Mustafa Mohamed with a low drive from distance, but the Al Hilal goalkeeper reacted sharply to save. Two minutes later, Hakim Kiwanuka met a long pass from Yunussu Nshimiyimana and delivered into the area, where William Togui Mel’s header sailed just over the cross bar. Al Hilal responded through Mamadou Kamaradini, whose curling effort from the flank forced Hakizimana into a strong punch in the 10th minute. APR squandered a golden chance in the 13th minute when Bosco Ruboneka released Djibril Ouattara, but the winger dragged his powerful shot wide. Soon after, Al Hilal captain Walieldin Daiyeen was booked for dissent, while Togui Mel also entered the referee’s book for a late challenge on Adama Coulibali. The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute when Elhadi Madicke Kane struck a well-placed free kick. Hakizimana got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out as Al Hilal took a 1–0 lead. APR survived further pressure before halftime, with Hakizimana denying Emmanuel Flomo following a defensive lapse. At the other end, Ouattara again failed to capitalise on a Ruboneka delivery just before the break. Al Hilal made tactical changes at the start of the second half, introducing Ernest Nsita Luzolo and Jean Claude Girumugisha, and continued to threaten on the counterattack. APR pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with Ruboneka dictating play from midfield. His pass found Dauda Yussif in the 53rd minute, but the midfielder’s long-range effort drifted wide. Hilal came close to doubling their advantage in the 66th minute when Girumugisha sent in a teasing cross that narrowly evaded Flomo at the far post. The victory was sealed in the 78th minute. Girumugisha’s dangerous delivery caused chaos in the APR box, Hakizimana could only parry the initial effort, and Flomo reacted quickly to fire home the rebound. Abderrahim introduced Gilbert Mugisha late on but struggled to break down a compact Al Hilal defence, which held firm through six minutes of added time. The result lifts Al Hilal back to the top of the table with 38 points from 16 matches, leapfrogging APR FC, who remain second on 37 points after 19 games. Al Hilal now turn their attention to continental football as they host FC St-Eloi Lupopo at Amahoro Stadium on Saturday, knowing that a win or draw will secure qualification for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals.
