Africa-Press – Rwanda. A 10th minute strike from Burkinabe forward Djibril Ouatarra proved decisive as APR FC beat Bugesera FC 1-0 in Nyamata on Saturday.
The victory propelled APR FC to the top of the league for the first time this season after Rayon Sports again dropped points in Rubavu following a frustrating 2-2 against Marines FC at Umuganda Stadium.
APR head coach Darko Novic made several changes to his starting line up as both Denis Omedi and Hakim Kiwanuaka started on the bench. Ramadhan Niyibizi was also given the nod in the first 11 whereas Mamadou Sy and Djibril Ouatarra led the attack.
Richmond Lamptey also made the bench for the first time in the second round.
APR started the game brightly as they used their midfield comprising of Seidu Dauda and Bosco Ruboneka to great effect
Their dominance paid off with Ouatarra firing them ahead in the 10th minute.
Bugesera FC were pinned into their own half as APR pushed more men forward in search of the second goal.
The second half of the game saw Bugesera soaking pressure and trying to hit APR on the counter.
Bugesera danger man Umar Abba was a delight to watch as he was able to get behind the APR back four but his finishing lacked the needed precision as he missed a host of chances.
APR bought on Omedi, Lamptey, Arsene Tuyisenge and Olivier Dushimimana for Ouatarra, Gilbert Mugisha, Niyibizi and Sy respectively as they continued to press Bugesera.
Bugesera were very organised in the final minutes of the game as they marshaled their defense while also pressing for an equalizer.
The game ended 1-0 in favor of APR FC who thus leapfrogged Rayon Sports to the top of the table with 48 points.
Other games
Rayon Sports twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Marines FC at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu, a result that saw them drop to second at the expense of APR FC.
Fabio Ndikumana opened the scoring for Marines FC in the 11th minute before Junior Elenga equalized for the visitors in the 31st minute. Hassan Rugirayabo made it 2-1 for Marines in the 57th minute before centre back Youssou Diagne restored parity for in the 69th minute as the game ended 2-2.
Elsewhere, at Kigali Pele Stadium, Prince Rudasingwa scored the only goal in the 88th minute as AS Kigali overcame Muhazi United with a 1-0 vicotry.
Musanze FC drew 1-1 with Rutsiro at Ubworoherane Stadium while Amagaju also pipped Gorilla 1-0 at Huye Stadium.
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