SundayMukura vs Amagaju FC - 3:30pm

Friday ResultsAS Kigali 1-0 Marines Sunrise Fc 1-1 BugeseraEtincelles 0-3 Musanze FCAS Muhanga 1-1 Rwamagana CityGicumbi Fc 0-2 Rayon Sports

League leaders AS Kigali edged Marine FC 1-0 on Friday at the Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo to maintain their unbeaten record and top spot in the national football league table standing.

The game’s lone goal was scored by CHAN 2016 second top scorer Ernest Sugira after just six minutes of the first half to take Eric Nshimiyimana’s team to 24 points, three ahead of second-placed Rayon Sports after 10 rounds of matches.

The home team, AS Kigali started the game in a more aggressive and attacking style and before the visitors could settle, they were already behind, courtesy of the on-form Sugira’s towering header off Freddy Ndaka’s cross from the left flank.

The table leaders continued to pile pressure on Marine FC but the Rwandan international, Sugira, who was named among the best players of CHAN 2016, failed to double his side’s lead in the 20th minute when his shot went inches wide of goal post.

Rubavu-based Marines, who started the day in 13th place on the table, tried to build their game display in the last 15 minutes of the first half but without creating much to pose a serious threat for AS Kigali’s goalkeeper, Shamiru Bate. 

Marine’s first attempt came with just 5 minutes to the half time whistle from midfielder Dollaso Karangwa, who fired a powerful shot over the cross bar from just outside the penalty box.

The second half started with AS Kigali hunting for a second goal but; Marine looked more composed and denied the AS Kigali forwards any space.

However, AS Kigali suffered a big blow five minutes into the second half after goal scorer, Sugira suffered a hamstring injury and was replaced by Justin Mico.

Meanwhile, Rayon Sports won 2-0 away to Gicumbi FC, with new Malian striker Ismaila Diarra netting a brace on his debut, which earned the Nyanza-based club three crucial points.

At Umuganda stadium, Musanze FC new head coach George Semwogerere made a winning start as his team routed second bottom Etincelles 3-0.

Sunrise FC and Bugesera FC settled to a 1-1 draw in the Eastern Province derby while Rwamagana City also drew 1-1 with bottom side AS Muhanga at Muhanga stadium.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw