{"id":119392,"date":"2026-02-08T16:04:44","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T16:04:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/bugesera-fc-upset-apr-etincelles-end-nine-game-winless-run"},"modified":"2026-02-08T16:29:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T16:29:59","slug":"bugesera-fc-upset-apr-etincelles-end-nine-game-winless-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/sport\/bugesera-fc-upset-apr-etincelles-end-nine-game-winless-run","title":{"rendered":"Bugesera FC upset APR, Etincelles end nine-game winless run"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Bugesera FC held their nerve to secure a pulsating 2\u20132 draw against APR FC at their home ground in Nyamata on Saturday.<\/p>\n

The hosts endured a difficult start, conceding inside the opening four minutes when Mamadou Sy gave APR the lead. However, Bugesera regrouped quickly and were rewarded when star striker Umar Abba struck the equaliser.<\/p>\n

APR restored their advantage before the break through a Djibril Ouattara header, heading into halftime with a 2\u20131 lead.<\/p>\n

Bugesera head coach Camarade Banamwana\u2019s halftime team talk had an immediate impact. Just three minutes after the restart, Valua Byishimo caught APR goalkeeper Pierre Ishimwe off guard with a long-range strike that slipped past the shot-stopper to level the score once again.<\/p>\n

The draw keeps APR top of the table with 37 points, two clear of Al Hilal, who have played three matches fewer. Taleb Abderrahim\u2019s side also opened a three-point gap over title rivals Police FC, who face AS Kigali at Kigali Pele\u0301 Stadium on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Bright start for Bekeni as Etincelles end winless run<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, Etincelles FC ended a nine-match winless streak with a vital home victory at Umuganda Stadium, thanks to a first-half goal from Pascal Rwigema.<\/p>\n

The result marked a dream start for newly appointed head coach Abdou Bekeni Bizimana, who claimed a win in his first match in charge after replacing Djuma Masudi and his entire technical staff earlier this week.<\/p>\n

Saturday\u2019s victory was only Etincelles\u2019 second win of the season, their previous triumph having come against Musanze FC in a 3\u20131 victory at Ubworoherane Stadium on December 13.<\/p>\n

Prior to the match, Etincelles had endured a difficult campaign, registering eight draws, one win, and nine defeats.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt feels good not to be sitting at the bottom of the Rwanda Premier League table anymore after so many days without a win,\u201d Bekeni told Times Sport after the match, praising his players\u2019 determination and fighting spirit.<\/p>\n

Supporters echoed the optimism, crediting the improved atmosphere between the coach and players for the turnaround.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are overjoyed and hopeful that the team will continue winning,\u201d said fan Yahaya Yusufu. \u201cNo club will come here and easily take points away from us anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n\r\n