Basement placed Etincelles dealt a major blow to APR’s title ambitions with a 2–1 victory to boost their relegation survival hopes in the Rwanda Premier League at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu on Saturday.
The Rubavu-based side struck twice in quick succession during the first half, through Awadi Iraguha and Anselme Dusabimana within a four minutes span.
APR pulled one back deep into stoppage time through Burkinabè international Djibril Ouattara, who scored in the 90+6th minute, but it proved too little, too late for the defending champions.
The win lifts Etincelles to 25 points, though they remain 16th on the table, while APR stay second with 52 points, missing an opportunity to strengthen their title push.
Al Merrikh 1 Mukura 0
Mukura Victory Sports secured a 1–0 win over Al Merrikh at Kamena Stadium which is the current temporary home the Huye-based side.
Zuberi Hakizimana scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute.
Gicumbi 2 Muhanga 0
Gicumbi FC deepened AS Muhanga’s relegation worries after claiming 2–0 victory at Kigali Pelé Stadium
Steven Niwenshuti broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, and Clement Bitwayiki Bahati sealed the victory with a stoppage-time goal in the 90+2nd minute.
Al Hilal 2 Kiyovu 1
Al Hilal strengthened their grip on the Rwanda Premier League title race after piping seven times Rwanda Premier League champions SC Kiyovu at Kigali Pele Stadium.
El Hadji Kane opened the scores for the Sudanese side in the fourth minute. Ernest Luzolo then doubled the advantage before halftime, putting Al Hilal firmly in control.
Kiyovu fought back in the second half, with Fidali Uwiyaremye pulling one back in the 67th minute to spark hopes of a comeback. However, Al Hilal held their ground and managed the closing stages well to secure all three points.
The win takes Al Hilal to 58 points at the top of the table, six ahead of second-placed APR FC on 52 as Kiyovu sit fifth with 42 points.
Kigali 1 Marines 0
AS Kigali returned to winning ways after beating Marines FC 1-0 away in Rubavu.
Rachid Kalisa score the lone goal to power the Citizens to 12th place with 27 points while Marines stayed in 8th place with 37 points.
In other matches, Gasogi United beat Gorilla FC 2-1 while Amagaju FC beat Musanze FC 2-0 at Ubworoherane Stadium.
Results, Saturday
Gicumbi 2–0 AS Muhanga
Etincelles 2–1 APR
Mukura 1–0 Al Merrikh
