An early goal from midfielder Simeon Iradukunda proved decisive as Gorilla FC travelled to Ngoma Stadium to beat Etoile del'Est 1-0 at their own ground on Tuesday, April 2.

The Primus National League week 26 encounter was a keenly contested battle between two candidates for relegation but it was Ivan Minnaert’s side that came out victorious, cementing a sigh of relief after opening a four-point gap to the drop zone.

Gorilla FC had their best arsenals on the field with Johnson Adeaga and Tharcisse Nshimiyimana leading the attack.

Etoile de l’Est, on the other hand, had in-form Gabriel Godspower and Sadick Sulley as their top men upfront in the crunch encounter. Minnaert’s men looked more aggressive from the onset and it took just six minutes for them to get the opener through a superb strike from Simeon Iradukunda.

The early goal unsettled Etoile as they had to chase the game. They eventually settled and created some decent chances but the likes of Emmanuel Nshimiyimana, Samuel Nsengiyumva, Didier Nshutinziza and Eric Nduwimana were at their best at the back as they prevented the hosts from leveling the scores.

The crucial win moved Gorilla FC up to 11th place on the league table with 29 points whereas Etoile are still rooted bottom with 22 points after 26 games.

In another game, Police FC returned to winning ways with an emphatic 2-0 win over Amagaju FC at Kigali Pele Stadium. Skipper Dominique Nshuti broke the deadlock in the 66th minute before Muhadjiri Hakizimana doubled the lead the second in the 75th minute.

Police FC have now moved to fourth with 39 points. They are level on point with Mukura VS who dropped to fight due to an inferior goal difference.