Yesterday

Nyanza 0-1  APR
Kiyovu  1-0  Mukura
Etincelles  1-1  Rayon
Espoir  4-3  Amagaju
Police  1-0  Marines
AS Kigali  1-3  La Jeunesse

Champions APR took control of the 2011/12 Primus National Football League table standing following their narrow 1-0 victory over Nyanza in a match played yesterday in Nyanza, Southern Province.

DR Congo striker Kabange Twite scored his sixth goal of the season in the first half as he helped the military side dethrone Mukura off the top of the table. APR leads the standing with 24 points in eleven matches played this season.

Dutch Coach Ernie Brandts said yesterday, "I was always confident that we would eventually get back on top of the league considering our poor start to the season.”

"We started poorly but we are happy that we have gained our rhythm which is needed in such a highly competitive league,” said the former Holland international.

Brandts noted that the competitive nature of the matches played this season is a good test for his team as he prepares for next month’s Orange Champions League. APR will play Kenya’s Tusker in the preliminary round of the competition.

Meanwhile, Mukura slipped off the top league table after a 0-1 loss to SC Kiyovu at Nyamirambo stadium.

A header from Ugandan import Julius Bakkabulindi was enough to help coach Jean Baptist Kayiranga’s side end Mukura’s three-month reign at the summit.

A thrilling home tie between Etincelles and Rayon Sports ended in a 1-all draw in Rubavu. Silver Ochaya put the hosts ahead in the first half but an equalizer from Bokota Labama helped the Blues secure a vital point.

In Rusizi, Espoir recorded their first victory of the season in eleven matches after a 4-3 win against neighbors Amagaju.

In Kigali, La Jeunesse gave AS Kigali some football lessons following a 3-1 victory at Mumena stadium while Meddie Kagere enhanced his hunt for this season’s golden boot scoring his eighth goal of the season from a penalty as he helped Police beat visitors Marines at Kucukiro ground.

APR jumped to the summit of the league with 24 points, one point ahead of Mukura.

Police is in third position with 21 points while SC Kiyovu jumped to fourth position with 20 points respectively.

bonnie.mugabe@newtimes.co.rw