APR start title chase with a 6-2 humiliation of Marines

Thirteen-time league champions APR thumped hapless Marines 6-2 to launch a perfect start to the 2013/14 Turbo King Football league yesterday at Stade de Kigali. Defender Albert Ngabo, Michel Ndahinduka, Nova Bayama, Jean Baptista Mugiraneza and substitute pair of Hegman Ngoma and Barnabe Mubumbyi scored for the military side as veteran defender Bonaventure Hategikimana and Bertin Dusenge scored consolation goals for Marines. APR, managed by Andreas Spiers started the game with an offensive approach as new signing Michel Ndahinduka played a key role in sparking the opening goal following his superb pass which saw full back Albert Ngabo score in the 20th minute. Seven minutes later, APR raced into a 2-0 lead after Marines goalie Chadrack Ruribikiye punched a powerful shot from Jean Iranzi only to meet Ndahinduka who made no mistake but to score the ball into own net with a header. After recess, Nova Bayama lead with a thunderbolt shot from outside the goal area with 56 minutes gone before Jean Baptista Mugiraneza struck another powerful header off Charles Tibingana’s free kick to make it 4-0.Tumaine Ntamuhanga missed a penalty after Jean Claude Iranzi was fouled in the goal area but Hegmam Ngoma saved him when he converted another penalty in the 64th minute off an intentional foul by Ismail Uwihoreye on Ndahinduka inside the goal area, a feat which earned Marines defender an automatic red card. Poor concentration at the back by Ismail Nshutiyamagara and Emery Bayisenge gifted Marines with two goals. A well-curled free kick from Bonaventure Hategikimana in the far post left Jean Claude Ndoli rolling on the turf while Bertin Dusenge found the back of Ndoli’s net to register consolation goals for the youthful Rubavu-based side in 81st and 89th minutes respectively. Barnabe Mubumbyi completed the rout with a sharp shot inside the goal area to earn maximum points for the military side which is seeking the league title this season.Elsewhere, Fabrice Twagizimana and Jacques Tuyisenge, took the three points to ensure a bright start for coach Sam Ssimbwa who is making his debut as police coach this season after replacing Serbian Goran Kopunovic who helped the Cops team finish runner-ups last season. Mukura, APR, Police, AS Kigali and Rayon Sports all occupy the top five positions on the Turbo King Football league standings after winning their opening matches over the weekend.