APR coach Eric Nshimiyimana has said his club cannot be ruled out of contention for this season's National Football League title despite losing to Mukura on Wednesday at Kamena grounds.

A lone goal from Jean Damascene Harelimana downed the military side to condemn them to their second defeat in a space of five days following a 1-2 loss to Vital'o in the preliminary round of the Africa Champions League.

During the league game, APR also lost goalkeeper Jean Luc Ndayishimiye to a long term ankle injury and saw defender Heritier Turatsinze limp off.

"Despite losing to Mukura, players showed much determination more than the weekend's game against Vital'O (last). We are disappointed with the result but we have to be positive and try to win in the remaining matches."

"We can't be ruled out of the contention for the title. We are three points behind the leaders and they may also falter. So we are still there and I am confident these youngsters can win the remaining matches."

APR remain in second position with 32 points while Mukura climbed to fifth position with 29 points.

Nothing changed at the top of the table as Rayon Sport's fixture against Police was postponed to February 27 due to the latter's continental club commitments.

In other matches, AS Kigali moved into fourth position after playing to a 1-all draw against Etincelles.

La Jeunesse heaped more misery on Isonga after earning a 1-0 win at Mumena grounds, while Espoir secured a 2-1 win over Musanze in Rusizi.

Amagaju and AS Muhanga settled for a goalless draw as Kiyovu suffered a 1-2 loss to Marines in Rubavu.