Late Ngoma penalty saves APR

TURBO KING LEAGUE WEEKEND RESULTS YesterdayAPR FC 1-0 Gicumbi Mukura VC 3-2 Esperance Musanze 0-0 Espoir SC Kiyovu 3-0 Amagaju SaturdayRayon Sports 1-2 Police FCAS Kigali 1-0 AS MuhangaEtincelles 1-1 Marines Substitute Hegman Ngoma made an instant impact as he scored a late second-half penalty to salvage three points for 13-time league champions APR against Gicumbi in the Turbo King Football League match played yesterday at Stade de Kigali. In their first meeting of the season, APR were made to work for a victory as Jean Baptiste Kayiranga’s side played a defensive game in a match where the military side wasted numerous scoring opportunities. Ngoma, who came in for Yannick Mukunzi converted the penalty in the 82nd minute after defender Francois Hakizimana blocked Jean Claude Iranzi’s shot with his arm stretched and was sent off by referee Issa Kagabo. The hosts should have gone ahead early in the 10th minute, but Michel Ndahinduka somehow managed to send a simple tap-in the opposite direction, having been unmarked and with an open net in front of him. Jean Claude Iranzi was next to test Gicumbi goalie, unleashing a venomous long-range effort in the 25th minute, but the shot went over the crossbar. Albert Ngabo failed to convert a clear chance in the 30th minute, having again found himself in front of the goalie after connecting Ndahinduka’s cross only to stumble in-front of the ball. The visitors had little impact to find the net in the first half as they packed the midfield to deny free ball passage from APR’s midfield. The hosts returned after the break looking more composed, Iranzi attempting with long-range attempts which were thwarted by the impressive Vincent Habamahoro in goal for the Gicumba-based side.With time running out, APR were gifted a lifeline when Hakizimana stopped Iranzi’s dangerous shot with his arm inside the penalty area and Ngoma stepped up confidently and dispatched the spot-kick. Wanok Porte and Patrick Kikunda kept APR defence busy as they searched for an equaliser and Kikunda came close to snatch an equaliser when he attempted a delicate curled shot which looked destined for the top corner, but Jean Claude Ndoli stood tall and parried away over the bar. The win moved APR to 4th position with 10 points, ahead of the reigning champions Rayon Sports who dropped to fifth following Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Police. Espoir and Musanze shared a goalless draw in Northern Province town of Musanze to remain placed second and third respectively with 11 points each. SC Kiyovu registered their first win of the season with a 3-0 win over Amagaju at Mumena stadium. Pekeyake Tuyisenge, Mike Ombarenga and Julius Bakkabulindi were on target for Gilbert Kanyankole’s team. The result leaves Amagaju without a point after five rounds of matches. In Huye, Joseph Nkurikiye, Claude Nahimana and Mike Segawa earned maximum points for Mukura against Esperance to jump from ninth position to fifth with nine points. AS Kigali lead the Turbo King Football League standings with 12 points after registering a 1-0 win over AS Muhanga on Saturday courtesy of Eric Ndahayo’s lone goal of the game. The league continues on Tuesday and Wednesday with the sixth round.