Jeunesse 0 Rayon 4 Umurabyo 0 APR 1 AS Kigali 1 Espoir 1 Sunday Kiyovu 0 Atraco 0 BY BONNIE MUGABE Rayon Sport gave their title hopes the much needed boost with a 4-0 thrashing of Jeunesse in a match played on Saturday at Amahoro stadium. Reigning champions APR maintained their hold on top of the league table standing with a slim but important 1-0 victory over Umurabyo on the same day in Rwamagana. But as two of three main title challengers got maximum points, title hopefuls, Atraco Fc were held to a frustrating 0-0 by Kiyovu on Sunday at Amahoro. Les Blues got their goals through new signing Lambama Bogota who netted a brace before Aphrodise Hategikimana and Jean Lomami added one each. The big Congolese forward opened his account after 20 minutes then made 2-0 ten minutes later for his fifth goal in just three league outings. Hategekimana a.k.a Kanombe made it 3-0 five minutes after recess before Lomami made sure of all points in the 70th minute. It was undoubtedly one of Rayon Sport’s most outstanding performances of the season as they kept the youthful side’s defense alert throughout. After the victory, Rayon Sport’s assistant coach, Thierry Hitimana hailed his players for their good show but cautioned them to maintain the day’s performance if they are to successfully contend for the title with the likes of APR and Atraco. “This is a good come back after a poor start to the second round. I’m only hoping that we can maintain today’s performance in upcoming games,” Hitimana said. Meanwhile, national league giants, APR maintained their top spot after defeating Umurabyo 1-0 away in Rwamagana. The lone goal was scored by Jannot Witakenge on the 38th minute of the game that saw strikers Jimmy Gatete and Ahmed Luzinga making their first starts of the second round. The military side, searching for a record eighth league title in 14 seasons leads the table with 45 points with Atraco and Rayon second and third on 42 and 39 points respectively. Elsewhere, AS-Kigali was held to a one-all draw by Cyangugu-based club, Espoir at Mumena grounds and this performance has lifted them to ninth position with 18 points. Jeunesse and Espoir are still held in the relegation zone with 12 and13 points respectively. Meanwhile on Sunday, SC Kiyovu held Atraco to a goalless draw at Amahoro stadium. Both teams failed to utilize their vital goal scoring opportunities. Atraco fought hard in the dying minutes of the game but the solid defense set up by Kiyovu failed to let in a way through to the goal. Kiyovu custodian, Robert Mukasa played a vital role in stopping the rampant crosses from Atraco wizard, Joseph Kabagambe. Kiyovu remain fourth with 29 points from eighteen Primus league fixtures.
