Eric Nshimiyimana believes the Azam Rwanda Premier League title is AS Kigali’s to lose following Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Marines.

But he says his players will need to rise to the occasion if they are to win the club their first league title.

Thanks to a lone goal from Evode Ntwali, Nshimiyimana’s side won the game to storm the summit with 51 points, one ahead of APR who face archrivals Police this Sunday.  

"Now more than ever, we are in a good position to win the league title but we must be careful. I don’t expect APR to give up on the title chase, but I expect my players to step up when it matters most,” Nshimiyimana told Times Sport.

"Nothing has been won yet, but we would be in a commanding seat if we win all our remaining five games. APR have Police and Rayon Sports to play in one week and are likely to drop points in the process,” the former Rwanda international and APR midfielder added.  

Commenting on the game against Marines, the AS Kigali coach said he was satisfied with how his players performed even as they were too wasteful in front of goal.

Marines started the brighter of the two teams, but AS Kigali grew in confidence and composure with time resulting in 24-year old Ntwali breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute.

Marines had a chance to cancel AS Kigali’s lead in the 80th minute through Benjamin Tuyishime but his effort was denied by goalkeeper Batte Shamiru.

The City of Kigali-sponsored side have not won the league title since the club was founded 17 years ago.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw