Sunday  APR 2-0 AS Muhanga

Central defenders Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi were on the target with a goal each – both in the first half – as APR eased to a 2-0 win over AS Muhanga at Kigali Stadium to regain the top spot.

Victory never seemed in doubt for the military who, despite a lacklustre second period, dominated the proceedings from the off and, and could have won the game by a far bigger margin.

After the visitors appeared to hold off APR forwards in the opening half-hour, Mutsinzi stepped up to break the deadlock with a free header in the 36th minute from Kevin Ishimwe’s corner.

Four minutes later, Manzi who – along with Mutsinzi and three others – was signed from Rayon Sports in June, doubled the lead following a good display between midfielder Andrew Buteera and left-back Emmanuel Imanishimwe.

Skipper Manzi, Mutsinzi, holding midfielder Olivier ‘Sefu’ Niyonzima, Christophe Bukuru and forward Djabel Manishimwe have made an instant impact at APR since crossing from bitter rivals Rayon.

"All the players did a magnificent job. I am satisfied with our performance today,” said APR coach Adil Erradi after the win that propelled his side two points clear at the top of the Rwanda Premier League table.

Erradi made three changes in the second half as former SC Kiyovu striker Djuma Nizeyimana was brought in for Ishimwe with Dany Usengimana, who did not impress, making way for Yves Mugunga while Manishimwe came on for Christophe Bukuru.

"The season is still young. We have to stay put and try to improve our game in all aspects.”

AS Muhanga, finalists of the 2013 Peace Cup tournament, were largely kept in their own half and forced to only rely on counter-attacks, which proved ineffective as forward Jean Claude Harerimana twice wasted clear chances to pull one back.

In a post-match interview, AS Muhanga coach Abdu Mbarushimana said that "This is a lesson learnt. We now know that we need some serious work on improving our striking department.”

"Generally we had a good game, but we failed to use our chances. We deserved better.”

After five-match rounds, APR top the standings with 13 points, two ahead of second-placed Mukura and third-placed Police. Etincelles and champions Rayon Sports are fourth and fifth, respectively, both with ten points.

Strugglers Gicumbi, who are yet to pick a point, are bottom of the 16-team table.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com