KIGALI, Rwanda — APR FC delivered a statement win on Saturday, November 8, 2025, after thrashing arch-rivals Rayon Sports 3–0 in a thrilling Matchday 7 clash of the Rwanda Premier League at Amahoro Stadium.
Goals from Ronald Ssekiganda, William Togui, and substitute Mamadou Sy sealed the victory for the defending champions, who came into the game desperate to bounce back after two consecutive draws against Kiyovu Sports (0–0) and Rutsiro (1–1).
The match kicked off at 3:04 p.m. under the watchful eye of referee David Kayitare, with a charged atmosphere as thousands of fans filled the stands, eager to witness the country’s most heated football rivalry.
Early Dominance from APR FC
Right from the start, APR showed their attacking intent. In the fourth minute, Ghanaian forward Dauda Yussif fired a powerful shot that narrowly missed the post — a clear warning sign for Rayon Sports.
The military side kept up the pressure, creating multiple chances through midfielder Yunussu Nshimiyimana and winger Hakim Kiwanuka, as Rayon’s defense scrambled to stay organized.
Their persistence paid off in the 27th minute when Ronald Ssekiganda opened the scoring, smashing home a corner kick delivered by Jean Bosco Ruboneka. Goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila could only watch as the ball flew past him into the net.
Just nine minutes later, APR doubled their lead. Kiwanuka’s long-range effort was fumbled by Ndzila, allowing William Togui to slot home the rebound for a 2–0 advantage. The red-clad fans erupted, waving flags and chanting as halftime arrived with APR firmly in control.
Rayon Sports Struggles Despite Second-Half Changes
Rayon Sports’ interim coach Haruna Ferouz made several substitutions early in the second half, bringing on Ishimwe Fiston, Rushema Chris, and Tony Kitoga in a bid to turn things around. However, APR’s defense, led by captain Claude Niyomugabo, held strong.
In the 65th minute, Ferouz was forced to replace injured striker Tambwe Gloire with Harerimana Abdoulaziz, but it made little difference as APR continued to dominate.
Coach Abderrahim Talib also rotated his squad, introducing Mamadou Sy and Denis Omedi for Togui and Mugisha Gilbert. The changes proved inspired — Sy’s pace and physicality immediately caused problems for Rayon’s backline.
Mamadou Sy Seals the Deal
In the 70th minute, Rayon goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila nearly gifted APR another goal after losing the ball while attempting to dribble out of his area, but Sy’s shot crashed off the post.
The Mauritanian striker eventually got his reward in stoppage time (93rd minute). After a poor back pass from Rushema Chris, Sy intercepted, rounded the goalkeeper, and calmly slotted the ball into an empty net — capping off APR’s dominant performance.
League Standings and Next Fixtures
The win propelled APR FC to fourth place in the standings with 11 points, six behind league leaders Police FC.
On November 22, APR will travel to Ubworoherane Stadium to face Musanze FC, while Rayon Sports will host AS Kigali at Kigali Pelé Stadium the following day.
Elsewhere in the league, Etincelles drew with Rutsiro, Gorilla FC lost 1–0 to Amagaju, Marines FC beat Muhanga 2–0, Gasogi United defeated Mukura VS 2–0, and Musanze FC edged Gicumbi FC 3–2.
Kiyovu Sports will wrap up the weekend action on Sunday, November 9, when they host Bugesera FC at Kigali Pelé Stadium.