It was a goal-galore during last weekend’s Rwandan Premier League week 25 games as the eight matches played across the league venues recorded 24 goals. Only Kiyovu and Police won away whereas the two games held at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu produced 11 goals. League leaders APR maintained their league table summit with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bugesera on Sunday. Times Sport takes a look at five things that shaped last weekend’s match day 25. Espoir could say goodbye after week 27 The Rusizi-based club suffered yet another defeat on Sunday as they lost 2-1 to title chasing Kiyovu Sports. Tresor Kwizera put Espoir ahead before goals from Erisa Ssekisambu and Bertrand Iradukunda helped visitors Kiyovu to come from behind to grab the three maximum points. The home side’s form has been a shambles this season and with 14 points at the bottom of the table, five behind 15th placed Marines FC, Espoir could be effectively relegated if they fail to pick maximum points in their next two games against Sunrise FC and Rayon Sports respectively. Resilient APR showing title credentials This was the fourth time this season APR have won games from drawing position with last-gasp goals. The Army side showed their title winning credentials with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Bugesera, a club they lost to by the same score line in the first round of the league campaign. A 95th minute header from Aime Placide Rwabuhihi completed APR FC’s comeback from a goal down to beat Bugesera FC 2-1 in Nyamata on Sunday to maintain their lead in the title race. ALSO READ: Rwabuhihi nets late winner as APR see off Bugesera The club now has a two-point lead at the top of the table but still faces pressure from Kiyovu who sit second with 50 points. Police FC, the most unpredictable side of the season? You may underrate Police FC at your own peril but the law enforcers have been very unpredictable this season as they lose to the smaller teams and win or draw against the title chasers. They drew against APR and have beaten AS Kigali, and now Rayon Sports. Sadly, they drew 2-2 with Marines and lost 2-1 to bottom-placed Espoir. Mashami’s side has had mixed fortunes but he must build his team on their ‘fear no one’ character since they have shown the ability to beat any team no matter how big they may be. Rayon defenders let the team down Rayon were very porous at the back against Police FC on Saturday as two late goals from Aime Ntirushwa and Jean-Bosco Ngaboyisbo handed them a 4-2 shock defeat, a result that blew their pursuit first league title since 2019. ALSO READ: Haringingo rues wasted chances as Police loss leaves Rayon’s title hopes in tatters The pair were 2-2 level until the 81st minute but the Rayon back four went to sleep and allowed Police to score in the 82nd and 92nd minute to take the maximum points. If Rayon really wants to realize their dreams of winning the title, now or next season, they must work on their defense. Etincelles strip Gasogi of their terror Even without their top scorer Moro Sumaila who is out for an injury, Etincelles were ruthless at Umuganda Stadium as they humiliated Gasogi 5-1. It was a game that the Rubavu-based side dominated from kickoff to the end with free glowing attacking football laced with goals. Gasogi have had a great season to the point that they were in contention for the title a few weeks back but Etincelles showed them that they need to do more to realize their dream.
