As APR suffer first second round defeat

Primus League results
Atraco   2-1 APR
Mukura 4-0 Jeunesse
Espoir   1-2 Kiyovu
Kibuye  1-0 Zebres

Today’s fixtures
AS Kigali v Rayon
Police       v Marines
Etincelles v Umurabyo

Atraco FC came from one down to shock APR with a 2-1 defeat at Amahoro stadium yesterday.

The league reigning champions took the lead through Kabange Twite in the 72nd minute only for Atraco to equalize through Rashid Kudra sixty seconds later.

The transporters company then sealed a much needed victory in the dying minutes (93) of the game when Godfrey Osama’s neatly struck shot beat APR’s goal keeper Aime Ndizeye.

Like it had been anticipated, APR started off the stronger side and kept Atraco on the defensive for most of the first half.

Even after the break, APR continued to press onto the Atraco goal and it was not long before the reigning champions’ aggression paid off.

Mbuyu Twite set up his twin brother Kabange who put the army-side ahead through a neatly worked header.

However, APR’s joy was shot-lived when Kudra levelled for Atraco after a goal keeping error from APR’s Aime Ndizeye.

With the scores level, Atraco’s tactician Capt. Jean Marie Ntagwabira made a meaningful substitution when he brought on Hakim Magumba for the worn out Theoneste Muhayimana.

After APR’s corner-kick in the 92nd minute, Sebalinga made a counter-attack, connecting with Magumba who then set up set Osama for the game winner.

Following yesterday’s result, Atraco are now level on points (52) with second placed Rayon Sports and three adrift of table leaders APR.
Speaking after the game, Ntagwabira said, "This is a very vital win for Atraco. It has revamped our hopes.”

"If only Rayon can hold APR this weekend, then we have a chance as far as finishing in the top two spots is concerned,” Ntagwabira wished.

APR’s Andy Mfutila who looked calm even after his team’s defeat declined to give any comment.

Today, Rayon Sport stands a chance of closing in on APR when the two face-off at Amahoro stadium.

Les Blues have gone six games unbeaten and know that preserving this run boasts their chances for this year’s league title.

"We can’t afford to lose points at this stage. We have already lost two crucial points against Kibuye,” Rayon’s coach Antoinne Rutsindura admits.

However, AS Kigali’s Jean Baptiste Kayiranga thinks otherwise. "It is at such stages that youth clubs stand up their fans’ expectations,” the former Rayon Sport coach believes.
Ends