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National football League Yesterday Etincelles 1-2 APR APR showed the desire of retaining the national league title after yesterday’s 2-1 away win over Etincelles at Umuganda stadium. The champions marched into the tie, trailing the Western Province side by three points and the sides looked equally matched for the first 40 minutes. But the game swung into APR’s favour when Etincelles were reduced to 10 minute after a straight red card to Ben Ngabo on the 41st minute. The defender was dismissed after a bad tackle on APR’s captain Mbuyu Twite. Twite, who was immediately rushed to hospital, is likely not to play any football in the near future after reports that he sustained a serious fracture on his left leg. However, that did not stop the army side from making the most of Etincelles’ weakened team as Abbas Rassou put the side in front with a well taken header from Haruna Niyonzima’s corner kick. Winger Leon Xavier Cedric doubled APR’s lead on the 70th minute to send the club’s traveling fans into frenzy. But it was far from done as the home side pulled a goal back on the 82nd minute through their lead striker Jean de Dieu Harerimana. However, APR held on to claim their sixth win of the season. The 11-time champions are now level on points with Etincelles (19 points) but top the table on goal difference.APR is now level with Etincelles on 19 points, but the latter have a superior goal difference. Atraco, who squandered a good chance to go top after being held to a disappointing goalless draw against Amagaju on Tuesday come third with 17 points. Police are fourth on 14 points, thanks to Tuesday’s comprehensive 3-1 victory over AS Kigali. Like Police, 2004 and four-time league champions Rayon Sport have 14 points but are in fifth spot because of their inferior goal difference. Another intriguing clash awaits football fans this Sunday when APR battle Atraco at Regional stadium in Nyamirambo. Ends

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