Title hopefuls SC Kiyovu claimed top spot after defeating archrivals Rayon Sports 2-1 in the Rwanda Premier League on Friday, November 11, at Kigali Stadium.

Kiyovu’s win moved them to top place with 20 points, two ahead of Rayon Sports.

The Green Baggies secured all three points courtesy of excellent goals from Ismail Nshimirimana and another from striker Bienvenue Mugenzi in the sixth and in the 39th minutes, respectively. Rayon forward Willy Essombe Onana pulled one back in the 88th minute.

The Mumena-based club went in the game not ready to settle for less than a win as they wanted to keep their pace in the run for the league title.

Kiyovu dominated the game and had seven shots on target but scored only twice. The Blues had chances to score but Moussa Camara, Felix Ndekwe, Onana and Eric Ngendahimana missed their chances.

Rayon saw their unbeaten start to the season halted. Janvier Benedata, Amissi Bizimana, Erissa Ssekisambu and Mugenzi had chances to score but failed to hit the target.

Rayon were fighting to avoid losing to their traditional archrivals twice in one season following their defeat in the final of the Made in Rwanda Cup in October, but it was not to be.

Rayon Sports are chasing the 10th title while Kiyovu is eyeing its first league title since 1994.

SC Kiyovu has won seven league titles, and was the only Rwandan club to go a whole season unbeaten in 1990 since its establishment in 1964.