Rayon are league leaders heading into the New Year

Goals from Abouba Sibomana and Meddie Kagere against Musanze at Stade Ubworoherane yesterday ensured reigning champions Rayon Sports ended 2013 at the summit of the national football league, with 28 points.The hard-fought 2-1 victory ensured the blues’ fans completed an amazing year with bragging rights, having seen their side lift the league title for the first time since 2004 and recover from early upsets this season in time to enter the New Year in pole position.But APR and AS Kigali stayed within touching distance of the leaders with wins against AS Muhanga and Kiyovu SC, respectively. Second-placed APR won 3-1 in Muhanga, while Andre Gasambungo’s AS Kigali kept their title hopes alive with a 2-1 win over fourth-placed Kiyovu at Stade de Kigali. Gilbert Yaoundé Kanyankore’s Kiyovu dominated the game but failed to beat AS Kigali’s inspired goalie Emery Mvuyekure.After several missed chances, AS Kigali opened the scoring through a powerful Rodriguez Murengezi header off a well-taken free-kick by Hamidou Ndayisaba on the 44th minute. AS Kigali were always a threat on the break with Mouhamed Mushimiyimana and Ndayisaba later combining well to set up Amini Muzerwa for the second five minutes after halftime. SC Kiyovu later piled pressure on AS Kigali and were rewarded with a consolation through Ugandan striker Julius Bakkabulindi after good interplay.AS Kigali, who were in top spot a week ago, are now two points behind leaders Rayon Sports, who are one point better than second-placed APR FC.In other games, Espoir continued their impressive form with a 1-0 home win over struggling Mukura; Amagaju drew 2-2 with Etincelles, while Sam Ssimbwa’s Police FC registered the biggest win of the day with a 5-0 away victory away to Marines.