APR coach confident of title charge

APR head coach Dusan Suljagic believes that his side is on the right path to win a record 15thleague title following their 1-1 draw against Gicumbi on Wednesday afternoon at Byumba Stadium. The Serbian tactician hailed his side’s overall performance despite conceding in stoppage time as the home side secured a point to deny the army side maximum points. Midfielder Hegman Ngomirakiza rose above the Gicumbi defence to send a superb header into the back of the net from a well taken corner kick by Jean Claude Iranzi to give APR an early lead in the 23rd minute. It was the determination and display of character that players showed before creating more chances and defending as a team that pleased Suljagic. However, in the 87th minute, Jean Paul Kayigamba punished APR’s sloppy defending and pounced on a loose ball before sending his effort from 20 yards as he equalised for Emmanuel Ruremesha’s side. “Honestly, it was a great goal and that is what upsets me because we did not defend well. The way he got the ball and scored was shocking! However, this does not affect our title bid,” explained the confident Serbian. APR have 48 points from 23 games, four points ahead of second-placed AS Kigali whose coach Eric Nshimiyimana conceded that his side has lost the battle for this season’s title campaign. Meanwhile, Sunrise head coach Thierry Nzungu hailed his team following their goalless draw with Rayon Sports in Muhanga. The Rwamagana-based side had some chances in front of goal but were denied by a solid blues’ defence that has maintained a clean sheet in their last three games since losing to Zamalek 3-0 in CAF Confederations Cup last month. Sunrise were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute after François Hakizimana received his second yellow card but the visitors held on to secure a point that helped them maintain seventh position with 31 points on the table standings. Nzungu said, “We really played well and I am proud of the players. Of course we wanted to win but a point is okay. We shall take it.” Rayon Sports currently sit in fourth position 34 points tied on points with Gicumbi but the former is ahead on goal difference, +10 as compared to +2. editorial@newtimes.co.rw