The football weekend action of the Rwanda Premier League was shaped by a mix of drama, disappointments and refereeing controversies at different venues across the country.
In all, 19 goals were scored with Rayon Sports being the only team which won away.
Kiyovu’s 2-1 victory over Gorilla moved them at the top of the table as the title race took a new twist after APR dropped points in defeat against Police FC at Kigali Pele Stadium.
From Police’s first win over APR in 10 years to Espoir’s free-fall, Times Sport brings you five things we learnt from the weekend games.
Kiyovu cruising to league title
Kiyovu are now in control of the league title for the first time in 30 years and it is, at this point, theirs to lose.
With the 2-1 victory over Gorilla coupled with APR defeat to Police, the Mumena-based side have now moved three points clear at top of the table.
Nyamirambo could finally turn green if Alain-André Landeut and his men managed to win their four remaining games to bring the title home.
Kiyovu’s title fate now lies not only in their hands but also in their last four opponents who are Mukura, Musanze, Sunrise and Rutsiro.
APR's now needs Sunrise FC’s favor
Sunrise FC are not in the title race but they could do APR a huge favor.
The Nyagatare-based club will play against both Rayon Sports and Kiyovu who are the military side’s fiercest title rivals. If Sunrise can avoid defeat in the two games and APR win all their matches, the army side could have the last laugh and win what would be their fourth consecutive league title.
Mashami proving that he isn’t finished yet
Things didn't go down well with Mashami when he handled the national team and his contract was not renewed when it ended in March 2022.
Some football pundits thought that he is an average coach following his poor start at Police which saw him losing his first three games without even scoring a single goal.
He, however, has turned things around and is increasingly establishing himself as one of the most feared coaches that any team wouldn’t wish to face.
Mashami has been a driving force to Police’s transformation, especially during the second round of the league, after he inspired the team to crucial victories over top teams like AS Kigali, Rayon Sports and APR FC.
If he continues to build that football chemistry in Police, the team will no doubt fight for the title next season.
Seems it’s over for Espoir
Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Mukura Victory at Huye Stadium was a confirmation that Espoir FC are on the brink of relegation.
The Rusizi-based side have been at the bottom of the league since the fourth week and have since failed to turn the table around following a string of poor results which saw their fortunes keep dwindling.
It is certain that the club is destined to play second division football next season.
A season marred by refereeing controversy
Striker Osee Iyabivuze scored what looked like a perfect goal in the 78th minute that could have extended Police FC’s lead to 3-1 lead against APR, only to be disallowed by the fourth match official.
Centre referee Abdul Twagirumukiza and his assistant whistled for a goal but it had to be rescinded after consultation with the fourth official.
This was one of a number of refereeing controversies that shaped the league campaign where teams continue to question the competences of Rwanda referees in a growing topflight league.
Similar incidents have been reported before, a trend that is putting Rwandan referees’ reputation in jeopardy.
The last four match days could produce more controversial decisions as the battle for the title as well as relegation safety intensifies.