Sugira inspires AS Kigali to 2-1 win over Amagaju

Sunday AS Kigali 2-1 AmagajuSC Kiyovu 2-0 MusanzeGicumbi 1-1 EtincellesSunrise 0-1 Isonga Saturday APR 2-2 Police FCMarines 0-2 MukuraEspoir FC 0-0 Rayon Sports Ernest Sugira converted an 84th minute penalty to guide AS Kigali to a 2-1 victory over a stubborn Amagaju side in a National Football League match yesterday at Kigali regional stadium in Nyamirambo. The former APR striker, Sugira was brought down by Amagaju defender Joachim Alanga in the penalty box and the forward converted the spot kick after sending substitute goalkeeper Isaac Mfashingabo the wrong way. Rodrigue Murengezi opened the scoring for AS Kigali in the 21st minute after beating the entire Amagaju defense but Jean Pierre Muhindo equalised 16 minutes later. AS Kigali head coach Eric Nshimiyimana told Times Sport that, “It was not an easy game because Amagaju is a very tough team and this explains the position they occupy on the table standings (8th). I am really happy we got three points.” This victory helped second-placed AS Kigali close the gap to within five points of table leaders APR, who have amassed 40 points from 18 games albeit with one game in hand. Nshimiyimana revealed that, “Victory is very important for us because yesterday (Saturday) the other teams drew so three points is very important in our journey. We have to keep improving.” According to the former Amavubi and APR midfielder, his side needs to take all the 18 points on offer in the remaining six league games as the race for the league title rages on. Elsewhere, Isonga defeated Sunrise 1-0 in Rwamagana to register their second victory this season while SC Kiyovu overcame Musanze 2-0 at the Mumena stadium. Gicumbi drew 1-1 at home to Etincelles. On Saturday, defending champions APR drew 2-2 with third-placed Police FC at Kigali regional stadium despite taking a 2-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes. Striker Issa Bigirimana gave the army side the lead after just 10 minutes and midfielder Jean Claude Iranzi made it 2-0 after beating the entire Police defense and goalkeeper Marcel Nzarora to slot a low pass into an open net. However, a minute later, Jean Paul Niyonzima reduced the deficit for Police with a well-placed header before Imran Nshimiyimana equalised on the stroke of half time. editorial@newtimes.co.rw