Mukura Victory Sport goalkeeper Nicholas Sebwato stole the show with a superb header, his first career goal, at the death to earn a point for his side against Kiyovu in week 28 of the Primus National League.
In all, it was an enterprising weekend which was shaped by drama as the relegation battle reaches a decisive stage. Sunrise, Etoile de l’Est and Bugesera FC who occupy the bottom three spots on the league table won their respective games leaving more teams exposed to relegation with two more matches to play.
Bugesera and Rayon Sport were the only teams to have recorded away wins with a total of 17 goals scored across all venues.
Times Sport brings to you five things we learned from match day 28.
Sebwato rescues Mukura with injury time equalizer
Mukura Victory Sport were 1-0 down against Kiyovu Sports until goalkeeper Nicholas Sebwato showed his leadership qualities to secure a point for his club with a stoppage time equalizer at Kigali Pele Stadium on Thursday, April 25.
The experienced Ugandan shot stopper came from his post to level the scores with a 95th minute dramatic header against a well-drilled Kiyovu side.
It was a moment of magic from Sebwato, as he took things into his own hands when his side almost surrendered a loss at the hands of the Green Baggies.
He made history by becoming the first goalkeeper to score from open play in the Primus National League.
ALSO READ: Sebwato urges PNL goalkeepers to be proactive
Relegation battle down the wire
As it stands now, as many as eight teams, from ninth-placed Gasogi United who have 33 points to Etoile (16th) and Bugesera (15th) who are tied at 28 points. The point difference between the team in ninth place and the bottom team stands at just five points and, with two games to go and a maximum of six points to be collected, half of the teams are not guaranteed of playing topflight football next season.
Gasogi United, Gorilla FC, Muhazi United, Etincelles FC, Marines FC, Sunrise FC, Etoile de l’Est as well as Bugesera may have to go all out in the two remaining matches, or else, any of them could be relegated.
Mugisha's form is good news for Amavubi
Gilbert Mugisha made sure APR's unbeaten run in the 2023/24 season is intact as he scored the equalizer in the champions’ hard fought 1-1 draw with Gasogi United on Saturday.
Mugisha has scored three times in his last four games for APR which is a big morale booster considering the fact that he wasn't Thierry Froger's main man in the first round of the league.
His impeccable form ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers double header against Benin and Lesotho in June is good news for coach Torsten Spittler who sees the forward as one of his key players upfront.
APR close to yet another unbeaten campaign
From all indications, it is evident that team APR want to be invincibles again this season. They are unbeaten in their last 28 games from which they have won 18 out and drawn 10.
In terms of goals scored, they have banged in 44 and conceded just 16. Their remaining league games are against Gorilla FC on May 4 and Amagaju FC on May 12. Considering the fixtures, Froger and his charges are home and dry to amass the six maximum points at stake.
Police FC continue to crumble
Out of 13 games played so far in the second round, Police FC have lost nine, won twice and they have drawn twice.
Coach Vincent Mashami was further exposed by a relegation-threatened Bugesera FC who beat his side 2-1 in Kigali on Friday, April 26 before the two sides face again in the Peace Cup final on Wednesday, May 1.
Police FC were among the big spenders this season bringing in Abedi Bigirimana, Moro Sumaila and Peter Agblevor. However, they have been far from impressive, especially during the second round of the season, despite finishing the first round in second place in the league.
The performance that the law enforcers showed in the second round could push the club management to show Mashami the exit door at the end of the season. They may already have made up their mind on the form Amavubi coach’s fate even if he guides them Peace Cup glory on Wednesday.