APR’s 1-0 win over Bugesera on Saturday not only took them to the summit of the Rwandan Premier League but also saw Uganda Cranes duo Denis Omedi and Hakim Kiwanuka make second-half appearances in a tightly contested affair at Nyamata.
Burkinabe forward Djibril Ouatarra netted the only goal of the game in the 10th minute, capitalizing on APR’s early midfield dominance led by Seidu Dauda and Bosco Ruboneka.
The early strike set the tone for APR, who pushed aggressively for a second but failed to convert despite dominating possession for large spells.
Head coach Darko Novic opted to start both Omedi and Kiwanuka on the bench, making several rotations to his regular line-up.
However, as the game progressed and Bugesera grew more threatening—particularly through forward Umar Abba—Novic turned to his bench for reinforcement.
Omedi was introduced midway through the second half alongside fellow substitutes Richmond Lamptey, Arsene Tuyisenge, and Olivier Dushimimana.
The Ugandan forward added energy to APR’s attack, stretching Bugesera’s defence and linking well in the final third.
Kiwanuka also made a late appearance, helping to shore up APR’s structure as they held off a late push from the hosts.
Bugesera threatened on the counter, with Abba proving dangerous, but the visitors’ finishing let them down.
APR’s substitutions, including the injection of Omedi and Kiwanuka, ensured they retained control in the closing stages to seal all three points.
The win saw APR leapfrog Rayon Sports to top the table with 48 points after Rayon dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Marines FC in Rubavu.
At Umuganda Stadium, Rayon Sports had to come from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Marines FC. Fabio Ndikumana and Hassan Rugirayabo scored for Marines, while Junior Elenga and Youssou Diagne netted for Rayon.
Elsewhere, AS Kigali where former Uganda Cranes captain Emma Okwi features secured a late 1-0 win over Muhazi United thanks to an 88th-minute strike from Prince Rudasingwa.
In other games, Musanze and Rutsiro shared spoils in a 1-1 draw, and Amagaju edged Gorilla 1-0 in Huye.
