Kigali Sharks 12-8 Lion de Fer

Lion de Fer failed to stave off a second half comeback by Kigali Sharks in the Kigali Rugby League, losing 12-8 on Saturday at Utexrwa ground.

Lions, who were hoping to win to leapfrog Remera Buffaloes to second place in the league, started well with God Gives Niyonzima scoring past a weak Sharks defence to touch down and scrum-half Jean d’Amour Niyonshuti adding a penalty conversion.

In the second half, the youthful Sharks exploited Lion’s defence which missed the services of backs Sixbert Maendeleo, Marcel Camara Koko and Ignace Nsanzimana, scoring two tries.

Forward Patrick Kazungu received from a ruck to touch down and captain Barnabas Ngizwenayo collected from a kick to steal the second with flanker Emmanuel Dushime converting the try.

Speaking after the game, Ngizwenayo said this was a positive result after a season marked by injuries and low turn-up for training and games.

"This is a good win for us because we started really badly but it ended well ,we played as a team and the boys have some encouragement to continue playing , we would like to keep playing like this in the days t come,” he noted.

The Silverbacks hooker said the next target was the Thousand Hills 7s festival on August 20 at Gatenga.

Kigali Sharks came out with 7 points, Lion de Fer have 10 points and their chances of qualification depends on whether Buffaloes, who have 9 points, are allowed to play the game against the Lions. Thousand Hills lead the Kigali League with 19 points. The semi-final plays off are scheduled for September 9.

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