Controversial penalty rescues APR

Yesterday’s results APR 3-2 AS Kigali A LAST-gasp penalty from Abbas Rassou all but secured three points for APR yesterday to keep them on course for a record 11th league title. With scores poised at 2-all in the dying minutes at Amahoro stadium, referee Issa Kagabo did not think twice about awarding the defending champions a penaltyafter what looked to be a very soft challenge on Jean Baptista Mug iraneza aka Migi in AS Kigali’s penalty box. As expected, Rassou, made no mistake from the spot kick to score his fifth goal of the season. Malawi International Chiukepo Msowoya gave APR a 1-0 first half lead with a close range strike on the 27th minute after good work down the left flank by his skipper Patrick Mafisango. On the 78th minute, Amin Mwizerwa equalized for AS Kigali after dribbling past Didier Kapet, Chimanga Mutamba and goal keeper Eric Ndayishimiye aka Bakame. Five minutes later, AS Kigali took the lead through Bodo Ndikumana but Msowoya restored parity for APR five minutes from minute after an unforgivable blunder from the AS Kigali goalkeeper. The win restored APR’s three-point lead over Atraco and Etincelles. In other matches played over the weekend, 2007 league winners Atraco beat and then leapfrogged rivals Rayon Sport to snatch second spot on the league standings after a deserved 2-1 victory at Amahoro stadium. Sam Timbe’s side went ahead after just four minutes through Ugandan winger Michael Sebalinga, who benefited from a defensive blunder by former Atraco defender Charles Kawuma. Rayon equalized on the 28th minute when Amavubi forward Yussuf Ndayishimiye dribbled past defender Amani Uwilingiyimana before launching a fierce strike past Atraco’s hapless goalie Ismail Mfashingabo. However, four minutes later, Daddy Birori restored Atraco’s lead. In Rubavu, Etincelles lost ground on the title race after being held to a surprising 1-all by relegation battling side Marines at Umuganda stadium. SC Kiyovu registered their 8th win of the season after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Mukura while Roger Tchouassi scored late on in the second half to salvage a point for Police against Amagaju in Nyamagabe. At Musanze, the home side’s woes continued after their goalless draw against Electrogaz. Musanze is still at the bottom with 11 points from 17 games. League standings Team PG W D L PtsAPR FC 15 11 3 1 36 Etincelles 17 9 6 2 33 Atraco 15 10 3 2 33Rayon 17 9 4 3 31Kiyovu 16 8 3 5 27Police 15 7 5 3 26Electrogaz 16 3 6 7 15 Marines 17 4 2 11 14Amagaju 17 2 7 8 13AS Kigali 16 3 5 8 13 Mukura 16 4 1 11 13Musanze 17 2 5 10 11 Ends

Sports

Controversial penalty rescues APR