APR midfielder Jean Claude Iranzi scored one goal and made another to guide his side to a 2-0 victory over SC Kiyovu on Wednesday to extend their lead at the top of the Rwanda Premier League table standings.

Iranzi opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a long-range shot from outside the box to give Nizar Khanfir’s outfit a much-deserved lead.

The army side dominated the first half as they piled pressure on Kiyovu, who seemed relentless in their search for an equaliser.

Henry Bao attempted a shot from within the penalty box but APR goalkeeper Steven Ntaribi was quick to the rescue but that was just about it for the Green Baggies in the opening period.

The APR backline, with central defender Abdul Rwatubyaye at right back, Herve Rugwiro, captain Ismael Nshutiyamagara and Burundian Yannick Bukebuke kept the Kiyovu attack in check.

Janvier Benedata sealed victory for the army side in the 75th minute when he got to the end of Iranzi’s perfectly-timed pass to send a fine finish into the top-right corner past the goalkeeper Jean Paul Mutabazi at the near post.

Kiyovu attempted a late charge but the damage had been done earlier as APR extended their lead at the top of the log to create a five-point gap ahead of archrivals Rayon Sports with five games to go.

“We are very happy with the maximum points that we have picked up. Kiyovu is a good side but for us more importantly we have to now make sure that we balance our attack and defence in the run in for the title,” said the contented Khanfir.

His counterpart, Yves Rwasamanzi, blamed the loss on a lack of concentration.

“We lost concentration and left Iranzi on his own and he scored. He is a top player so he will always use his chances. When they scored, it was difficult for us to make a comeback. They are a strong team but we are going to make some improvements.”

Kiyovu maintain fifth position with 44 points tied with AS Kigali who have a better goal difference of 18 compared to Kiyovu’s six.

In the other games, Espoir held Police to a goalless draw in Rusizi while Mukura edged Amagaju 2-1 in Nyamagabe following goals from Christophe Ndayishimiye and Hussein Kizza.

Rwamagana saw off AS Muhanga 1-0 courtesy of an Adolphe Hakundukize strike while the Marines and AS Kigali game was postponed after Marines failed to avail an ambulance.