APR open three-point lead as Rayon slip up

Sunday Mukura VS 5-1 Espoir FCSC Kiyovu 2-0 Police FCEtincelles 2-0 Amagaju FCAS Muhanga 0-3 APR FCGicumbi FC 1-2 Rwamagana City Saturday Marines FC 0-0 Bugesera FCSunrise FC 0-0 Rayon Sports AS Kigali 4-0 Musanze FC Defending champions APR defeated AS Muhanga 3-0 yesterday, to boost their chances for what would be their 16th league title – a day after their closest rivals Rayon Sports lost their advantage in the title race when they drew 0-0 against Sunrise in Rwamagana. The military side scored in the tenth minute through defensive midfielder Yannick Mukunzi, while forward Patrick Sibomana and striker Issa Bigirimana netted the other goals – on 21st and 42nd minutes – for Nizar Khanfir’s league leaders. In the second half, home side AS Muhanga tried in vain to get back into the game with former APR FC striker Bokota Kamana Labama, former Police FC forward Ibrahim Ndikumasabo and youngster Ange Mutsinzi all missing chances for Eduard Rutayisire’s side who remain rooted at the bottom with just 14 points. On Saturday, Rayon Sports, who had a game in hand going into the tie and just a point behind APR, yet again produced a good display with players like Pierrot Kwizera, Savio Dominique Nshuti, Ismailia Diarra and Kevin Muhire all coming so close but failing to break down Sunrise’s defence. At the end of the day, Sunrise coach Sosthene Habimana, formerly a player and coach with Rayon Sports, ensured his former side dropped two points which might prove costly at the end of the season. The results leave Rayon Sports in second spot with 52 points, three adrift of their rivals APR after match day 24, but still with a game in hand (against Entencelles) and a far superior goal difference (33 against APR’s 21). Elsewhere, SC Kiyovu beat Police 2-1, thanks to goals from Namasobwa Mukamba and Jean d’Amour Uwimana (28th and 38th minutes), while Innocent Habyarimana netted the consolation goal for Andre Casa Mbungo’s team. Yves Rwasamanzi’s SC Kiyovu jumped into fifth place with 41 points, while Police dropped to sixth spot with 38 points. Etencelles beat Amagaju 2-0, thanks to Bodo Ndikumana and Salite Gentil Kambale’s goals on 44th and 72nd minutes, respectively, which saw Innocent Seninga’s side move into 12th place with 25 points, while Amagaju stay in eighth place with 28 points. In Huye, Mukura Victory Sports humiliated Espoir FC 5-1, with Muhadjir Hakizimana and Yussuf Habimana scoring a brace each (on 15th and 45th, and 21st and 38th minutes, respectively), while their fifth goal was scored on 41st minute by Burundian born Christophe Ndayishimiye. The result means Godfroid Okoko’s Mukura stay in third place with 47 points, while the consolation goal for Espoir was scored by Tresor Bishara on 44th minute. Alphonse Gatera’s Espoir remain on 14th position with 22 points. Away in Gicumbi, Rwamagana beat Gicumbi FC 2-1 to remain in 15th position with 17 points, while Gicumbi are in eighth place with 30 points. Christophe Bukuru and Bashir Kabagema scored for Francois Kalisa’s Rwamagana while Yves Senyange netted for Emmanuel Ruremesha’s hosts. On Saturday, AS Kigali humiliated Musanze Fc 4-0, thanks to Onesma Twizerimana’s brace while Amini Mwizerwa and Emmanuel Sebanani scored the other goals. Head coach Eric Nshimiyimana’s team are still fourth on the table with 44 points, while the defeat saw Musanze drop to 13th place with 23 points. During the game, AS Kigali striker Emmanuel Sebanani had collapsed on the pitch after he was beaten by Musanze defender Sincere Manzi. Marines and Bugesera FC played out to a goalless draw at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu. Bugesera FC are in 10th place with 28 points, two points ahead of Marines FC who are in 11th spot. editorial@newtimes.co.rw