The national second division football championship enters a five-week break and will return after the upcoming CHAN, Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) officials have confirmed.

The 4th edition of the CAF Orange Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), which is slated for January 16- February 7 in Rwanda, will be staged in City of Kigali, Ruvabu and Huye.

The lower division tier was suspended on January 4 after the end of the first round, and will resume at the same time with Azam Rwanda Premier League which was adjourned on November 7, 2015. The national women’s football league will also start around the same time.

"We can’t afford any distraction, which is why the second division league has also been put on hold. All attention should be put on CHAN,” FERWAFA secretary general, Olivier Mulindahabi, told Times Sport on Wednesday.

On Monday, Kimisagara-based Esperance FC defeated Gasabo 3-1 in pool A while Interforce hit struggling Rugende TC 8-0 with Pepiniere grabbing a 1-0 win over Kirehe in Pool B.

As it stands in pool A, Vision FC top the table with 23 points, former topflight league side La Jeunesse are second with 19, Vision JN sit third also with 19 points while Espeerance FC stand fourth with 18 points.

In pool B, Interforce leads the standing with 26 points, three ahead of second-placed Kirehe FC. Etoile de l’Est rank third with 21 points while Pepiniere are fourth with 20 points.

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