Ani to miss Bugesera FC vs Etoile relegation decider
Friday, May 10, 2024
Bugesera FC top scorer Elijah Ani(c) will miss the club’s clash against Etoile de l'Est on Saturday, May 11 at Ngoma Stadium. Photo by Craish Bahizi

Primus National League joint top scorer Elijah Ani will miss Bugesera FC’s trip to Ngoma Stadium ahead of their season-defining clash against Etoile de l'Est on Saturday, May 11 at Ngoma Stadium.

Ani, who has been the live wire of Bugesera FC with his 15 goals in 24 games, is suspended from playing the crunch encounter, having accumulated three yellow cards.

The Nigerian forward was booked against APR on February 18, Marines FC on April 5 as well as during Bugesera’s goalless draw with Muhazi United on May 4. He now has to serve a mandatory one-game suspension over the bookings.

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Ani's absence might be a big blow for coach Francis Haringingo with failure to win in Ngoma would see Bugesera FC relegated to the second division. However, the player is confident the rest of the group, especially his attacking counterparts his can step in his shoes and fight until the last minute.

"It's sad I have three yellow cards and I won't feature in our last game. However, I have a strong belief that the others can step up and get the job done," Ani told Times Sport.

Bugesera FC are 15th on the table and only a win against Etoile coupled with a defeat for Sunrise, Etincelles and Gorilla, would rescue them from relegation.