Rayon Sports stay top of table after scoreless draw with APR

Rayon Sports have remained in pole position in the Rwanda Premier League after playing out a dull scoreless deadlock with APR on Sunday at Amahoro Stadium.

Robertinho's outfit came into the match knowing that losing to their foe, APR, would cost them the top spot in the league table for the first time since early November 2024.

Meanwhile, APR had a chance to take the lead in the standings for the first time this season as only two points separated them with Rayon Sports after 19 league games.

This match, however, did not live up to expectations as it ended in another 0-0 stalemate, with both sides having played to a goalless tie in the league's first phase.

The two rivals played a tense first half, though the hosts had the upper hand and produced more scoring chances than Rayon Sports, who had no shots on target in the first 45 minutes.

In terms of dominance, the game was neck and neck in the second half, with the visitors looking revived and having several chances, including a big one missed by substitute Aziz Bassane.

The Cameroonian winger had an opportunity to break the deadlock off the bench after Hadji Iraguha set him up, but his right-footed strike on the edge of the box missed the mark in the 87th minute.

Rayon Sports have drawn four of their past five league games but stayed at the top of the league table with 43 points, two points clear of APR, who are second.

"This match was more difficult than the first one because we are now almost at the end of the league. It also puts a lot of pressure on them and us because we are close to each other," said APR head coach Darko Novic in a post-game press conference.

"We lost the top scorer of the championship, so we played today without the striker inside the box, but I'm very happy about the performance of the team. Our objective was victory, but I congratulate everyone at the club because we played well," said Rayon Sports head coach Robertinho.

Photo: APR's Djibril Ouattara attempts to dribble past Rayon Sports centre-back Aimable Nsabimana.

Photo: Rayon Sports left-back Hakim Bugingo tries to defend Hakim Kiwanuka of APR.

Photo: There was good-natured banter between the skippers, Claude Niyomugabo and Kevin Muhire, before the game.

Photo: APR starting XI pose for a customary photo before the match at Amahoro Stadium.

Photo: Rayon Sports starting XI pose for a customary photo before the match.

Photo: The two rivals failed to score yet again in the Rwandan derby as they play to 0-0 draw.