Richard Kilongozi netted as Kiyovu Sports held APR to a 1-1 stalemate at Kigali Pele Stadium
Kiyovu Sports demonstrated no signs of a hangover from their financial difficulties on Saturday evening as they brought off a close-fought 1-1 draw against APR at Kigali Pele Stadium.
APR had to battle back to earn a crucial point, with Gilbert Mugisha cancelled out Richard Kilongozi’s strike in the first half.
Kiyovu Sports had resolved payment issues before the game after some key players reportedly objected to playing without receiving their salaries.
Despite these controversies, the host started the match quickly on a flying pace. Therefore, Joslin Bipfubusa’s men broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Kilongozi powered a left-footed fine strike into the corner of the net, with Pavelh Ndzila failed to stop the shot despite getting his hands to the ball.
Kiyovu Sports team that face APR.
Few minutes later, Claude Niyomugabo had to clear Olivier Niyonzima’s header off the line but Kiyovu maintained their dominance at the time.
The host didn’t keep the lead for long as Gilbert Mugisha converted a spectacular freekick into the back of the net in the 35th minute to salvage a point for the visitors after Frodouard Mugiraneza fouled Bosco Ruboneka in the 25 yards to the goal.
From then on, both sides produced some scoring chances, fueling nail-biting moments on the pitch, but ultimately no one scored a winner as they shared the spoil on a 1-1 tie.
It’s getting exciting on the league standings following APR’s draw as the defending champion top the table on 26 points, just a point ahead of Police and three ahead of their arch-rival Rayon Sports. Kiyovu are sitting in sixth position on 17 points from 12 matches.
Djihad Nzeyirwanda couldn’t halt Gilbert Mugisha’s mind-blowing freekick
Players tussle for the ball.
Saturday’s Day 12 full results:
Police 2-1 Marines
Musanze 0-1 Gorilla
Etoile de l’Est 0-1 Amagaju
Sunrise 0-1 Gasogi United
