Wednesday AS Kigali 0-1 Rayon Marines 1-1 Sunrise Mukura 0-1 Etincelles

A lone goal from forward Gilbert Mugisha was enough to thwart AS Kigali as Rayon Sports stormed into top three of the Azam Rwanda Premier League for the first time in three months.

Blues’ hard fought win boosted their bid to retain the league title, while AS Kigali’s defeat dented their chances of winning their first ever league title with only a few games left to the end of the season.

Youngster Mugisha’s second-half strike at Kigali Stadium moved the defending champions from fourth to third place, lifting them to within five points of second-placed AS Kigali and seven of leaders APR.

Rayon, however, have two games in hand. 

The 22-year-old Mugisha, who joined Rayon from relegated side Pepiniere FC last August, scored from close range three minutes into second-half following a misunderstanding between AS Kigali midfielder Ally Niyonzima and defender Ratif Bishira.

AS Kigali had four corners and three free-kicks, among several other chances, with Niyonzima, Omar Ngandu, Bishira, Frank Kalanda and Jean Claude Ndarusanze all guilty of squandering the opportunities.

Ivan Minnaert's Rayon were dominated throughout the first-half but goalkeepr Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye and his defence were alert to keep the City of Kigali side out.

The league’s leading scorer Ndarusanze had a clear chance to hand Eric Nshimiyimana’s side the lead in the 33th minute but Bakame again showed why he is the nation’s number one shot-stopper, denying him in a one-on-one duel.  

Three minutes later, former Mukura Victor Sports star midfielder Niyonzima could have put AS Kigali ahead but his powerful header went wide.

Right after recess, Abdoul Rwatubyaye came in for injured Faustin Usengimana, Ismaila Diarra came off the bench to replace booked Chris Mbondi while Kevin Muhire came on for Francois Mugisha who suffered a suspected shoulder dislocation.

The 8-time champions returned for the second-half more aggressive upfront and well organised in the defence, consistently threatening Shamiru Batte’s goal until Mugisha broke the deadlock in the 48th minute.

AS Kigali kept pushing for an equaliser in vain.

After falling behind, coach Nshimiyimana had Kalanda replaced by Michel Ndahinduka while Ndayisaba made way for Evode Ntwali.

In the other matches played yesterday, ‪Marines and Sunrise played out a 1-all draw while Etincelles upset Mukura in a 1-0 win at Umuganda Stadium in Ruvabu District.

APR top the table with 50 points, two ahead of AS Kigali while Rayon are in third with 43 points, with SC Kiyovu following in fourth with 41 points.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw