Denis Omedi found the back of the net as APR produced a dominant 5-0 victory over Rutsiro at Umuganda Stadium on Saturday, moving back to the top of the Rwanda Premier League table.
The Ugandan forward scored APR’s third goal in the 66th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error and miscommunication from Rutsiro.
After goalkeeper Arnold Matumere misplaced a pass under pressure, left-back Niyomugabo intercepted and set up Omedi, who calmly slotted the ball home from close range.
Omedi’s goal underlined APR’s control in a match where the reigning champions punished a wasteful and defensively fragile Rutsiro side.
Two mistakes from Matumere, including a costly error just before halftime, allowed APR to take a commanding 2-0 lead into the break, with goals from Djibril Ouattara and Bosco Ruboneka.
The second half saw APR extend their dominance. Omedi’s strike was quickly followed by goals from Lamine Bah in the 68th minute and Victor Mbaoma in the 78th minute, sealing the club’s biggest win of the season.
With the victory, APR moved to 52 points, two ahead of title rivals Rayon Sports, who are scheduled to face Etincelles at the same venue on Sunday.
APR started the match with composure, dictating possession and creating early chances.
Although Rutsiro had an opportunity to score through Jeremie Mumbele’s long-range effort in the 27th minute, APR goalkeeper Pierre Ishimwe produced a solid save.
Ouattara, who missed a free kick earlier, opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a powerful header. Ruboneka doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime after intercepting Matumere’s wayward pass.
After Omedi’s goal made it 3-0, Bah and Mbaoma completed the rout as APR eased through the final minutes of the match, comfortably sealing three crucial points in the title race.