Reigning Rwanda league champions APR humiliated AS Kigali 3-1 in the highly anticipated turned into one-sided Kigali derby on Wednesday at Kigali Regional Stadium.
Captain Jean Claude Iranzi opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a low shot past AS Kigali goalkeeper Shafiq Batte before Janvier Benedata shot from outside the box to beat Batte at the near post five minutes later doubling APR’s lead.
Iranzi, who inspired his side’s attack in midfield, combined with Benedata to further trouble Eric Nshimiyimana’s side as they piled more pressure with several attempts to increase their score.
In the 25th minute, striker Issa Bigirimana combined with Iranzi to beat the entire AS Kigali defence before slotting a low shot in the net as the army side took a 3-0 lead inside 25 minutes.
Former APR midfield maestro Eric Nsabimana provided a spark of hope in the middle of the pack and continuously sent long balls to in-form striker Ernest Sugira but APR defender Abdul Rwatubyaye kept him at bay.
AS Kigali suffered a mini-blow when Sugira went down injured at the half hour mark after an aerial duel with APR central defender Emery Bayisenge.
However, despite taking to the field thereafter, his offensive contribution to his side’s attack went quiet as APR dominated most of the ball possession.
Four minutes into the second half, Sugira picked up a pass from captain Mabula but his attempt went straight into APR goalkeeper Jean Claude Ndoli’s hands.
At the other end of the pitch, Bigirimana forced a brilliant save from the alert Batte who dived to the right to grab the ball firmly.
Sugira was denied by the woodwork in the 70th minute when he got to the end of a pass from substitute Justin Mico on the left flank.
AS Kigali looked energised as they launched a late surge Ornesme Twizeyimana pulled one back for AS Kigali with a fine header past Ndoli but APR remained solid to register their first victory under Khanfir.
Elsewhere, relegation threatened Etincelles held Police FC to a 1-1 at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu.
APR is now top of the league table standings with 34 points, two ahead of Rayon Sports and Mukura Victory Sports who are tied at 32 points apiece.
Police are tied on points with AS Kigali on 28 points but the former have a better goal difference, 12 compared to 10 for the latter. The second round kicks off on April 17
