APR FC title chase in the Rwanda Premier League received a big blow on Friday when they were held to a goalless draw by Gasogi United at the Kigali Pele Stadium.
The stalemate makes APR path to the title more difficult, as the team had been banking on the game to accumulate crucial points.
Despite the club desperate need to get a win, APR were confronted by a resolute Gasogi United defense which thwarted the military club opportunity to make clear scoring opportunities.
The draw is a huge setback for APR, who now have accumulated 42 points from 21 games so far this season.
The title race remains closely fought, with front-runners Rayon Sports to widen the gap when they host AS Kigali on Saturday.
A win for Rayon Sports will put them four points clear of APR, a daunting deficit for the military team to bridge as they seek to close the gap at the summit.
With the season running out and only a couple of games remaining, every point counts for both clubs.
APR will need to gather their wits and refocus in an attempt to keep their title aspirations alive.
The Army side results against Gasogi United underscores the fierce competitiveness of this year’s league.
APR’s failure to collect all three points has put them in a difficult situation, in which they will have to win their remaining matches but also rely on the benevolence of their title rivals Rayon Sports to lose.
As the Rwanda Premier League becomes more intense, APR must look for a means of transforming their recent performances into valuable goals and victories if they are to edge out Rayon Sports and reclaim their leadership in the league.
The upcoming matches in the league will be pivotal, not just for the championship battle, but also for APR’s overall morale and standing as they try to win it all.
After this match, APR FC remained in second place with 42 points, 1 point behind Rayon Sports with 43, while Gasogi United remained in ninth place with 26 points.
Photos
Joseph M. Vincent