It was a busy week in the Rwanda Premier League as eight league games were played in midweek while three rescheduled match days 1 and 7 fixtures took place over the weekend. In general, 20 goals were scored in 11 games with the biggest scoreline being Gasogi's 4-3 win over Kiyovu. It was a week of fascinating goals, drama and controversial referee decisions as the season continues to gather momentum. Times Sport brings to you five things we learned from the games played. Questionable refereeing decisions The rescheduled games played over the weekend were full of controversy where beautiful football was marred by questionable referee decisions. It all started during the APR FC vs Vision match on Thursday, November 7, when referee Eric Dushimimana awarded the Rwandan champions two controversial penalties which were crucial the their 2-0 win over Vision FC. The referee first pointed to the penalty spot for a handball which Vision FC argued that winger Gilbert Mugisha only shot the ball in the back of their player. Mamadou Sy stepped up to convert the ball into the back of the net for the opener. Dushimimana again awarded the penalty to the army side after Gilbert Byiringiro went down inside the box under pressure from Stephen Bonney. The penalty sparked controversy despite the fact that Bonney apparently didn’t tough the Mauritanian striker. Again, in the Rayon Sports vs Etincelles game, striker Moro Sumaila scored what looked to be a legitimate equalizer for the visitors after he finished off a beautiful move but the goal was ruled out for offside by referee Abdul Twagirumukiza. In general, there has been many questionable referee decisions in the first round of the league which doesn't help to determine true winners. Police FC defensive midfield frailties Police FC have a great team but one department they are seriously lagging behind is their defensive midfield role. The majority of their midfielders play offensive or central role with the exception of Pacifique Ngabonziza who is a defensive midfielder. But, because he is not the nest option for head coach Vincent Mashami, the position remains the club’s weakest department. Mashami needs to look through the league and get a top notch defensive midfielder in the January transfer window to provide adequate cover for the back four as well as the needed cover for the offensive players. Police have lost twice in as many games against Mukura and AS Kigali, and their defensive midfield proved to be their biggest problem. ALSO READ: Onyeabor on target as As Kigali pile misery on Police FC Novic must realize his holidays are over Darko Novic’s APR still have four games in hand to play but their performance over the past five league games has been far from convincing. The army side has lost once (through forfeit), drawn twice and won twice. Their performance hasn't been their best so far. Novic should know that there is no time left and the earlier he starts winning games, the better his future will be at the club. Their latest goalless draw against Rutsiro FC shows the Serbian has many things to do to get his tactics rights to turn APR FC into a winsome side. ALSO READ: Bbaale's second half strike powers Rayon at the top Rayon Sports fairytale After a slow start to the season which saw them draw their first two games against Marines and Amagaju, league leaders Rayon Sports have burst into life winning six consecutive games. The Blues’ players are brimming with confidence and they have clearly understood the pattern that their Brazilian coach Robertinho wants them to play. Rayon have really showed that they are real title contenders with their great display and winning mentality. Boateng's magic continues Ghanaian forward Agyenim Boateng Mensah netted a sublime goal against Police to take his tally to four goals as he leads the goal scoring charts alongside Seraphim Kiza of Amagaju FC despite playing a game less. In fact, Boateng would have scored his fifth goal in five consecutive games had his goal against Muhazi United not been ruled out for offside. The Ghanaian forward is a real predator who has made the Mukura attacking front so sharp. He has established himself arguably one of the best signings in the league so far.
