Brandts hails APR surge

Primus League Nyanza 0-1 APRKiyovu 1-0 MukuraEtincelles 1-1 RayonEspoir 4-3 AmagajuPolice 1-0 MarinesAS Kigali 1-3 La Jeunesse APR coach Ernie Brandts is full of praise for his players following the team’s return to the top of the Primus League table. The champions headed into the weekend trailing surprise leaders Mukura by two points but a hard fought 1-0 victory over Nyanza coupled with Mukura’s 1-0 loss against a resilient SC Kiyovu side at Kigali Regional Stadium moved APR top. The 12-time league champions now have 24 points, one clear of Mukura and three ahead of police who battled hard to a 1-0 win over Marine on Saturday. Meddie Kagere scored the game’s lone strike to stay top of the scoring charts with eight goals. Kabange Twite was the hero in the APR-Nyanza game but Brandts reserved special praise for the whole team. “We had a slow start by our standings – drawing too many games but I’m happy that we have responded well in the last few games,” the Dutchman said. “Even when we have not played so well, we have managed to grind out the three points which says a lot about the team’s temperament and focus.” Rayon Sport were livid after being held to a 1-all draw against Etincelles. Silver Ochaya gave the hosts a first half lead only for Bokota Labama to rescue the blues in the final ten minutes of play. At Mumena, AS Kigali dropped into the relegation zone after losing to La Jeunesse 1-3 while Espoir finally recorded their first victory of the season after a thrilling 4-3 victory over neighbours Amagaju. Police are third with 21 points while SC Kiyovu and Rayon follow in fourth and fifth place with 20 and 19 points respectively. bonnie.mugabe@newtimes.co.rw

Sports

Brandts hails APR surge