Etincelles FC made history in the matchday 27 fixture of the Rwanda Premier League after defeating APR FC 2-1 in a match played at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu District this Saturday, April 18, 2026. This unexpected result not only gave Etincelles FC hope in their battle against relegation to the second division but also increased Rayon Sports’ chances of clinching the league title, as the points gap between them and their rivals continues to narrow.
The match began with Etincelles FC, playing in front of their home fans, showing a strong desire to win early on. In just the second minute, Pascal Rwigema unleashed a powerful shot that could have opened the scoring, but the APR FC goalkeeper came to the rescue. The Western Province-based side continued to dominate possession more than the military side, although APR FC occasionally threatened through striker William Togui, though without any tangible results in the opening minutes of the game.
As the play progressed, it was clear that Etincelles FC was hungry for goals. In the 28th minute, Awadi Iraguha found the back of the net, and just three minutes later, in the 31st minute, Anselme Dusabimana scored the second goal following a great pass from Sadjat Niyonkuru. Misfortune worsened for APR FC when their midfielder Ronald Ssekiganda suffered an injury and was immediately replaced by Pacifique Iradukunda, leading to the first half ending with Etincelles FC leading 2-0.
In the second half, APR FC returned with great intensity seeking to equalize, but the opportunities found by Memel Dao yielded no results. The APR FC coach made changes, bringing off Hakim Kiwanuka and Memel Dao for Mamadou Sy and Gilbert Mugisha, while Etincelles FC also substituted Anselme Dusabimana and Robert Mukogotya for Rodrigue Mwinyi and Innocent Gakumba. Despite APR FC putting in significant effort, they only managed a consolation goal in the 90th minute plus added time through Djibril Ouattara, with the match ending 2-1.
This result leaves APR FC in second place with 52 points, while Etincelles FC sits in 16th place with 25 points. This has boosted Rayon Sports, currently in fourth place with 43 points, because if they win their match against Rutsiro FC this Sunday, they will be trailing APR FC by only six points, thereby increasing their title hopes. In other matches played today, Gicumbi FC defeated AS Muhanga 2-0, while Mukura VS beat Al Merrikh SC 1-0. The league continues tomorrow with the match between Rayon Sports and Rutsiro FC, as well as Police FC hosting Bugesera FC.
