Coach Vincent Mashami got his tactics right as his Police FC side defeated Muhazi United 2-1 in a Primus National League week 6 game at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday.
It was a game of two halves as Police FC dominated the first half with Muhazi outplaying them also in the second half.
Police FC were the better side when the game begun as they pinned Muhazi FC into their own half. The law enforcers broke the deadlock in the 25th through Didier Mugisha who beautifully dispatched a penalty sending goalkeeper Twagirayezu Amani the wrong way following an infringement in the Muhazi FC 18-yard box.
ALSO READ: Struggling Police FC host Muhazi United in must win game
Police built on the opener as they stretched the game by using the wings with skipper Dominique Savio Nshuti proving to be a danger for the visitors whenever he had the ball on his feet.
Muhazi FC had their first chance of the game in the 28th minute when Joseph Sackey's header from a corner kick was saved by goalkeeper Onesime Rukundo.
Muhadjiri Hakizimana who was having a wonderfully afternoon increased his club's tally with a fine strike in the 32nd minute to make it 2-0.
Muhazi lifted their game as they calmed their nerves. Centre back Dikoume Marcel who was a delight to watch moved upfront and reduced the deficit for his team with a stunning strike in the 42nd minute
Muhazi FC made three changes in the 44th minute as the half time ended with the home team leading 2-1 and being the better side.
The Eastern Province-based side took control of the game in the second half, running into empty spaces with the ball. They had a free kick in the 63rd minute but Richard Ndayishimiye’s strike hit the post to the relief of Police goalkeeper Onesime Rukundo.
Vincent Mashami was made to make change, bringing on Chukwuma Odili for Muhadjiri Hakizimana in the 70th minute as he tried to ease pressure from the visitors.
Chukwuma could have scored with his first touch as he outpaced his marker but his shot was too feeble to beat goalkeeper Amani Twagirayezu.
With 20 minutes to go, Police FC adapted a different approach as they decided to soak the pressure and hit Muhazi FC on the counter using Chukwuma’s pace.
The law enforcers had a glorious chance to punish Muhazi United late on following a swift counter attack but Chukwuma blasted his effort wide.
The match official announced six minutes of additional time but both teams held their might as the game ended with a 2-1 score line in favor of Police FC.