Etincelles have ended APR’s seven-game unbeaten streak, defeating Talib Abderrahim’s side 2-1 at Umuganda Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

It was a flying first half like no other for the home side as they scored both of their goals in the first half within a space of four minutes.

Awadi Iraguha opened the scoring for Etincelles in the 29th minute with an excellent header inside the box.

With the dominance and chances they were creating, Anselme Dusabimana doubled the lead four minutes later with a clever finish into the bottom corner of the net.

APR spent the whole second half threatening to find an equaliser, but they couldn’t, and had to wait until the sixth minute of added time to pull one goal back.

Mamadou Sy squared the ball for Djibril Ouattara to score with ease after receiving a fine delivery from substitute Gilbert Mugisha.

Talib Abderrahim may have some excuses for this defeat as APR played the game without some key players, including an injured Clement Niyigena, a suspended Bosco Ruboneka, and Lamine Bah.

APR skipper Claude Niyomugabo was on the bench as he was returning from injury.

The last time APR had lost a Rwanda Premier League game was on 10 February, when they lost 2-0 to Al Hilal.

APR stay in second spot with 52 points from 27 league matches, six points adrift of Al Hilal, and nine points above their bitter rivals Rayon Sports, who have a game in hand and whom they will face in the next two weeks.

The defending champions will return to league action against Mukura in Huye on 25 April.

This victory sees Etincelles climb to 25 points from 27 games but remain in 16th place, four points above the relegation zone, as they continue their battle to stay in the first division.

Etincelles will return to league action by hosting Kiyovu Sports on Sunday, 26 April.