Midfielder Ismail ‘Pitchou’ Nshimirimana suffered a serious injury that took the shine out of a great game as APR FC settled for a 0-0 draw with Rayon Sports in Sunday’s crunch Rwandan Premier League derby at Kigali Pele Stadium.

The Burundian, who was returning from injury some weeks back, was stretched off in the 40th minute following a cynical tackle from Kevin Muhire, a situation that changed the pattern of the game as APR coach Thierry Froger had to restrategize.

Both teams started the game brightly as they tried to launch an attack into the vital area of each other. Rayon Sports were a delight to watch in the early stages as their attacking duo of Musa Esenu and Joackiam Ojera threatened the home side’s defense pushing for an early opener.

The Blues’ incisive attacking play nearly paid off in the ninth minute when Esenu thought he had opened the scores and wheeled away in celebration only to realize that shot-stopper Pavelh Nzila saved it.

Congolese attacking midfielder Heritier Luvumbu who was operating just behind Musa Esenu released a ball to Arouna Madjaliwa who found Esenu alone in the box but the striker’s effort lacked the needed firepower to beat Ndzila to find the back of the net.