REIGNING champions APR FC suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against lowly Etincelles on Match Day 16 of the national football league on Friday at Kigali Regional Stadium. APR finished with ten players after striker Javier Benedata was sent off for a second booking.

Striker Bodo Ndikumana, signed recently from Rayon Sports, scored the lone goal in the 18th minute which earned Innocent Seninga’s side maximum points that took them out of relegation zone to 13th position with 11 points. It was APR’s second league defeat of the season.

The win for Rubavu-based side, only their second of the season, helped them leapfrog Rwamagana City while APR remain top of the table with 34 points, but a win for second-placed Rayon Sports against Marines on Sunday, would see the Blues go top, a point clear.

If third-placed Mukura also win against Police FC (4th) on Sunday, it will see the military side drop to third spot.

“My players understood my tactics. It was game we were expected to lose because it’s against APR, but we built our game on counterattacks and sheer determination to fight for every ball and put out bodies on the line,” a seemingly delighted Seninga said after the match.

He added, “We had enough time to work with the players, which allowed us to prepare well since we knew we were going to face the best team Rwanda. I have told the players to continue to work hard to remain in this division. This is a big win and important three points for us.”

Nizar Khanfir’s side came in the game needing maximum points to extend their lead at the summit of the table standings but Etincelles had other ideas their own fight to get out of the bottom two for the first time in two seasons.

APR assistant coach Emmanuel Rubona said that, “We are not happy with today’s result, we dominated the game and tried to score but we failed. Etincelles played well defensively but in overall we were unlucky to miss our chances.”

Elsewhere, SC Kiyovu beat Bugesera FC 3-2 at Mumena stadium to remain sixth with 26 points. Veteran striker Andre Lomami struck a brace to move top of the goal scorers’ chart with 10 goals, while Yamin Salum scored the third goal for Yves Rwasamanzi’s team.

Djihad Rucogoza and Bernard Nsabimana scored for Bugesera, who remain stuck on 8th position with 21 points.

Bottom side AS Muhanga forced a goalless draw against hosts Espoir Fc in Rusizi while Amagaju were also held to goalless draw against visiting Emmanuel Ruremesha’s Gicumbi FC.

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Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com