Rayon Sports’ bid for the league title suffered a major setback after they were held to a goalless draw by struggling Rutsiro FC at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu on Sunday. The result dents Rayon’s title ambitions and hands APR FC greater control of the race ahead of the highly anticipated derby between the two sides at Amahoro Stadium on May 2. Head coach Francis Haringingo, recently cleared by Kiyovu to take charge of the Blues, was on the touchline and made five changes to the side that faced Gicumbi FC. However, his team failed to find rhythm in attack. Rutsiro, playing without pressure, produced a disciplined defensive display to keep a clean sheet against a Rayon side eager to close the gap on APR, who had slipped to a shock 2–1 defeat against Etincelles on Saturday. Despite that opportunity, Rayon struggled to create clear scoring chances, and the match ended in a stalemate. The draw leaves Rayon fourth on 44 points, eight behind APR FC in second with 52 points, while Al Hilal continue to lead the standings with 58 points. It also marks Rayon’s fifth consecutive match without a win. For Rutsiro FC, the point does little to ease relegation fears, as they remain 17th with 22 points. With their title hopes fading, Rayon may now shift focus to the Peace Cup, where they face Gorilla FC in the semi-final first leg on Wednesday, April 23, at Kigali Pele Stadium. The winner will meet either APR FC or Etincelles in the final. Rayon will then take on Amagaju on April 26 at Kamena Stadium before returning to league action against arch-rivals APR FC in what could prove a decisive clash on May 2. Elsewhere, Police FC’s struggles continued with a 1–0 defeat to Bugesera at Kigali Pele Stadium. Once considered title contenders, the law enforcers have managed just one win in their last 11 matches across all competitions and now sit sixth on the table with 41 points.
