Rwanda Premier League defending champions, APR, suffered an early setback after they were held to a goalless draw in Rusizi by Espoir FC on Thursday, October 3.

APR came into the game expecting tough opponents and needed three points to close the gap with top teams.

However, not even their new-found luck to score late goals came to their rescue as Justin Bisengimana’s side played for a draw having failed to create any solid chances on target in 90 minutes.

APR dropped points for the third time.

They remained fifth in the table with 11 points but the gap remained five points between them and leaders, SC Kiyovu, even though APR has played two games less.

Bisengimana said: "We really wanted three points. A draw was not expected. APR can be better than my team via individual brilliance but tactically we went head-to-head. We denied them the opportunity to play the ball wide, which is their strength but then we failed to score.”

APR returned rejuvenated after the break, but their dominance counted for nothing.

They dominated but failed to score while Espoir also had chances to score on counter attacks but were unable to convert them.

Meanwhile, title contenders Rayon Sports will host Sunrise FC on Friday, October 4 in a day 6 encounter knowing that victory will see them leapfrog current leaders SC Kiyovu at the top of the table. Francis Christian Haringingo’s team went into the game in second place with 15 points, one point behind SC Kiyovu.

The Nyagatare-based is currently in seventh on table standings with 8 points from 7 games, and they will go into the match to upset Rayon and a win will see them leapfrog Bugesera, Police, Gasogi United and tally with APR.

Sunrise has trained under floodlights at Kigali stadium Wednesday night, November, 2 as to prepare the team who will play at night.

Sunrise’s match against Rayon Sports set on Friday, November 4 kickoff at 18:00 pm, and Sunrise is leaving nothing to chance by preparing the team for any eventuality including having the team training at night.

SC Kiyovu are currently on top of the table with 16 points.