APR Fc players lift their Serbian coach Dr. Petrovic in celebrations after winning the 2017-18 Azam Rwanda Premier League title on Wednesday. Courtesy Photo
Champions APR FC won the 2017/18 Azam Rwanda Premier League on the final day of the season staged on Wednesday at Amahoro Stadium.
A 2-0 win over hosts Espoir FC cemented a record-extending 17th league title in just 24 years – since their maiden title in 1995.
APR Fc went into the final match of the season battling the league title alongside AS Kigali. Both sides were separated by three points with APR Fc sitting on top of the league summit going into the final match of the season.
Goals from defender Aimable Nsabimana and impressive Muhadjiri Hakizimana were enough to hand the military side a much deserved victory as AS Kigali were held to a 1-all draw against Musanze Fc at Stade Ubworoherane.
APR FC clinched the 2017/18 Azam Rwanda Premier League title on top of the standings with 66 points in 30 matches played this season. They end the season having won 19 matches, drawn 9 and lost 2, scoring 51 goals and only conceded 15 goals respectively.
The military side had previously won 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016 editions of Rwanda premier league.
Meanwhile, Rayon Sports Fc and Etincelels FC joined AS Kigali in the top four. Rayon Sports were held to a 2-all draw away to Marines Fc while Etincelles FC’s 1-0 win over Gicumbi FC relegated the Northern Province club to next year’s second division league.
Gicumbi FC was joined by Miroplast Fc who lost 1-2 to Sunrise Fc on the final day of the season. The pair will be replaced by Intare Fc and AS Muhanga who are finalists in the 2017/18 Second division league which will climax on July 4 at Amahoro Stadium.
AS Kigali’s Burundian import Jean Claude Ndarusanze ended the season leading the top scorer’s chart with 15 goals, followed by APR Fc forward Muhadjiri Hakizimana who has scored 13 goals while Musanze Fc’s Wai Yeka and SC Kiyovu’s Moustapha Francis who are joint third with 11 goals each.
The crowning ceremony of the 2017/18 Azam Rwanda Premier League season will be held at a later date which will be communicated by FERWAFA.
The ceremony was called off due to broadcast issues following two decisive final matches which would not enable host broadcaster Azam TV to air live two matches at the same time pitting title favourites APR FC and AS Kigali.
APR Fc will next year represent Rwanda at the CAF Champions League for the 2018/2019 season.
Azam Rwanda Premier League, Match Day 30 Results
Wednesday
Gicumbi FC 0-1 Etincelles FC
Police FC 3-1 Kirehe FC
Mukura VS 0-0 Bugesera
Espoir FC 0-2 APR FC
Sunrise FC 2-1 Miroplast FC
Amagaju FC 0-1 SC Kiyovu
Marines FC 2-2 Rayon Sports FC
Musanze FC 1-1 AS Kigali
