PHOTOS: APR FC hold Rayon Sports to 1-1 draw on Matchday 29

Rayon Sports FC and APR FC played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in a highly anticipated Matchday 29 clash of the Rwanda Premier League at Amahoro Stadium on Saturday evening.

Hosts Rayon Sports FC named a strong starting XI, with goalie Olivier Kwizera and captain Youssou Diagne anchoring the defence alongside Obed Uwumukiza, Richard Ndayishimiye and Abedi Bigirimana.

The midfield and attack featured Faustin Likau Kitoko, Elie Ishimwe Ganijuru, Asman Ndikumana, Bassane Koulagna Aziz, Ramazani Tshimanga Tshilembi and Gloire Tambwe Ngongo.

Rivals APR FC responded with Adolphe Hakizimana, captained by Claude Niyomugabo, and supported by Hakim Kiwanuka, Cheikh Djibril Ouattara, Gilbert Mugisha, Abdoul Ishimwe, Jean Gilbert Byiringiro, Seidu Dauda Yussif, Jean Bosco Ruboneka, Yunusu Nshimiyimana and William Togui Mel, as both sides set up for one of Rwanda’s fiercest football rivalries.

Rayon Sports made a bright start and took the lead in the 32nd minute through Asman Ndikumana.

The forward latched onto a well-threaded pass that split APR’s defense and calmly chipped the ball over goalkeeper Adolphe Hakizimana to put the hosts ahead 1-0.

APR FC responded strongly and found their equalizer before halftime.

In the 41st minute, striker Cheikh Djibril Ouattara converted from the penalty spot after a foul inside the box, bringing the game level at 1-1 heading into the break.

The first half also saw rising tensions between players, including a brief confrontation in midfield that resulted in bookings rather than dismissals, as the referee sought to maintain control of the high-stakes fixture.

In the second half, both teams pushed for a winning goal but were repeatedly denied by defensive resilience and missed opportunities.

APR FC came close through attacking moves involving Ouattara and his teammates, while Rayon Sports threatened via set-pieces and counterattacks.

Substitutions from both benches injected fresh energy, with Rayon Sports introducing players like Mugisha Didier and Habimana Yves, while APR FC brought on Mamadou Sy and Denis Omedi to strengthen their attack.

Despite late pressure and five minutes of added time, neither side could break the deadlock.

The match ended 1-1, reflecting the balance of play in a tightly contested affair.

The result extends Rayon Sports’ difficult run against their rivals, as they have now gone three years without a victory over APR FC.

They have also failed to win in their last seven home meetings against APR at Amahoro Stadium.

Following the draw, APR FC remain in second place in the league standings, while Rayon Sports sit fourth with 48 points, trailing their rivals by eight points as the season approaches its conclusion.

Elsewhere on Matchday 29, other fixtures saw mixed results across the league, with teams battling for position in the closing stages of the campaign.

At Ubworoherane Stadium, Kiyovu Sports held Musanze FC to a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes, while Gicumbi FC were thrashed 3-0 by Al Merrikh SC.

The Kigali derby once again demonstrated the passion and competitiveness of Rwandan football, with both teams showing determination, but ultimately settling for a point each in a match that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.

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