Sudanese international Sharaf Eldin Shaiboub was once again the hero of the day as his solitary second half strike extended APR FC’s Primus National League unbeaten run to 22 games following Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Etincelles at Kigali Pele Stadium.

The league leaders’ win piled more misery on Etincelles who are on the brink of relegation as they stay in the drop zone.

APR dominated possession in the first half but could not break down Etincelles’ resilience as they defended gallantly until half time.

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After the break, coach Thierry Froger brought on wingers Ramadan Niyibizi and Gilbert Mugisha for Taddeo Lwanga and skipper Claude Niyomugabo in an attempt to change his game plan, opting to create chances from the flanks.

Mugisha and Niyibizi brought urgency into APR’s play through making some incursions into Étincelles vital area.

Shaiboub, who is enjoying his improvised striking role, broke the deadlock to open the scores for APR with a sublime finish in the 55th minute.

The former Simba SC star was lively with his hold up play and his ability to move to empty spaces at the back of Etincelles defenders.

He made way for Victor Mbaoma later on in the game as APR pushed for more goals but it was the Sudanese goal that separated the two sides as the military side collected another three points to open an eight-point gap at the top with one game against Etoile de l'Est in hand.

The Army club now has 52 points, eight ahead of Musanze FC who moved to second after beating Muhazi United 1-0 at Ubworoherane Stadium.

In other games, Zuberi Hakizimana and Elie Tatou Iradukunda from either half as Mukura VS traveled in Nyamata to beat Bugesera FC 2-0 while Amagaju settled for a 1-1 draw with visiting Gorilla FCat Huye Stadium.