APR have climbed to the top of the Rwanda Premier League for the first time this season, following their 1-0 triumph over Bugesera on Saturday as Rayon Sports slipped up at the hands of Marines at Umuganda Stadium.

Darko Novic's side had the opportunity to move to the top of the league, provided they won and Rayon Sports dropped points as the rivals were separated by only a point prior to matchday 23.

Djibril Ouattara's header in the 10th minute after Ramadhan Niyibizi's corner kick sent the league holders to a 1-0 huge victory at Bugesera Stadium and top of the table.

"I heard it (Rayon Sports drew with Marines) but didn't follow it because I didn't want to know it. I just wanted to follow our match and our result. What happened is good but the most important is what we did," said APR head coach Darko Novic after the game.

"No, it (the title race) is not over....we can only say it's over on the 25th of May," he added.

APR sit at the top of the league with 48 points, a point clear of Rayon Sports, after 23 matches.

Rayon Sports had remained at the top of the league's table for five months, having secured the coveted place early in November 2024 with a 1-0 win over Etincelles.

Robertinho's outfit lost the top spot after they shockingly dropped two points against Marines, with a 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Marines grabbed an early lead, with Fabio Nkundimana scoring from the outside of the box in the 11th minute after Rayon Sports goalkeeper Khadim Ndiaye failed to stop the strike despite having his hands on the ball.

Prince Elenga equalised for the visitors in the 31st minute, with a fine finish from close range after Fitina Omborenga's pass.

Hassan Rugirayabo put Yves Rwasamanzi's side ahead again in the 57th minute, following Ndiaye's blunder.

Youssou Diagne tied the game with a header 12 minutes later, but Rayon Sports couldn't do more than that to keep the top spot in front of dogged Marines as it ended in a 2-2 stalemate.