Amagaju coach hails players' fighting spirit after Kirehe win

Saturday AS Kigali 2-0 MiroplastEspoir 1-1 Etincelles APR FC 1-1 Marines Sunrise FC 0-0 Gicumbi Amagaju 2-0 Kirehe FC They may not be among the teams expected to challenge for the title but Amagaju FC head coach Pablo Nduwimana is delighted that only his team have a perfect record after two rounds of matches in the 2017/18 Azam Rwanda Premier League campaign. The early season pace-setters followed on their opening day 3-1 victory against Bugesera FC by defeating Kirehe 2-0 at Nyagisenyi ground in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province on Saturday, thanks to goals from Amani Mugisho and Tresor Ndikumana in the 34th and 89th minutes, respectively. Speaking after the game, Nduwimana saluted his players for “showing great fighting spirit.” “I love the way my players played today, they showed that they wanted to get three points and we got them, so I am happy because Kirehe came here to try and get a win and they pushed us all the way. I’m happy with way my players are dealing win pressure from the opponents” Nduwimana noted. The former AS Kigali forward added that, “To win the first two matches is a dream start but we know it’s only the beginning of the season, so we can’t afford to take anything for granted, instead we have to continue working hard to make sure we’re prepared and ready for the next challenge.” Amagaju were quite busy in the transfer market – they signed several new players including; goalkeepers Pacifique Twagirimana and Freddy Ilunga Mukadi, defenders; Guilin Inyange and Pascal Rutagengwa as well as forwards Tresor Ndikumana and Jean Luc Bisangwa. The club also promoted three players from their junior ranks. They are; Emmanuel Nzabahimana, Aphrodise Biraboneye and Evode Niyobuhungiro. Nduwimana’s team finished 10th with 33 points in the league last season, and reached the Peace Cup semi-finals before losing to the eventual champions APR FC 6-1 over two legs. Amagaju went on to take third place after losing to Rayon Sports 3-0. Elsewhere, on Saturday, APR FC were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Marines at Umuganda Stadium. Former Etincelles and APR striker Arafat Bahame gave Marines the lead as early as the fourth minute before Rwanda international Djihad Bizimana equalised for the record 16-time league champions in the 19th minute. With the draw, Jimmy Mulisa’s team moved one place to third in the table with four points having claimed victory in the season opener 2-0 over Sunrise FC. Eric Nshimiyimana’s AS Kigali jumped to fourth place following their 2-0 victory over newcomers Miroplast FC at Kigali Stadium. Jean Claude Ndarusanze netted the opening goal in the 31st minute while Emmanuel Ngama increased the lead in the 44th minute to keep the City of Kigali side unbeaten on four points. Espoir played out a 1-1 draw against Etincelles 1-1 at Kamarampaka ground in Rusizi, while Sunrise FC notched their first win of the campaign beating Gicumbi 1-0 in Nyagatare, thanks to Nigerian striker Orotomal Alexis. Earlier on Friday, Police FC beat Mukura Victory Sports 2-1 to register their first win of the season having lost their opening match 3-1 against Etincelles. After a goalless first-half, striker Isaie Songa put Police ahead in the 63rd minute after a good cross from Amini Muzerwa. Last season’s third top scorer with 15 league goals, Justin Mico, opened his account for this campaign netting the second goal seven minutes later, while David Nshimirimana pulled one back for Mukura. editorial@newtimes.co.rw