Sunday

Rayon 0-0 Enyimba

CARA 1-2 Raja Casablanca

Rayon Sports were Sunday held to a goalless draw by Nigerian outfit Enyimba in their first leg clash of the Total CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals at the Kigali Stadium.

Following their goalless spoils, it was left for all to be sorted in the return-leg come September 23 at Enyimba International Stadium in Nigeria.

A scoring draw will see Rayon Sports through to the last four.

The Blues were too wasteful on the night with Kevin Muhire, Djabel Manishimwe, Bonfils Caleb Bimenyimana and Eric Rutanga, all failing to beat goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai.

Rayon dominated the first half with good display.

In addition to five clear-cut chances in the first half, the hosts had another four attempts in the second, compared to Enyimba’s three.

Left-back Rutanga was shown a second yellow card, and will miss the second-leg on Sunday. Eric Gisa Irambona is likely to be his replacement.

Apart from three attempts, the visitors looked very nervous when in possession of the ball and there were a lot of misplaced passes in the middle of the park.

With Burundian Bimenyimana leading the onslaught, Rayon had several chances to break the deadlock but Man-of-the-Match Afelokhai thwarted them.

Enyimba also had three goal-scoring opportunities but Ibrahim Mustapha’s efforts were denied by Rayon Sports goalkeeper Abouba Bashunga and centre-back Abdul Rwatubyaye.

While Enyimba largely relied on counterattacks, Rayon played small short football and on many occasions managed to penetrate through the opponent’s defence but failed to find the back of the net.

Rayon Sports’ Brazilian coach Roberto Oliveira made two second-half changes bringing on forward Gilbert Mugisha for midfielder Saddam Nyandwi and striker Christ Mbondi for Prosper Dunk. The duo consistently caused trouble to Enyimba’s defence but still bore no fruit.

Enyimba coach, Usman Abdallah also made two changes in the second half with Freedom Omofoman coming on for Wasiu Alalade and Bashir Abdulrahaman replacing Joseph Osadiaye as the Nigerian champions fought for a clean-sheet till the final whistle.

Rayon Sports were without the services of captain Thierry Manzi and midfielder Yannick Mukunzi – both through CAF suspensions.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw