Rayon Sports could have buried APR FC by an avalanche of goals, but their attackers weren't clinical as the two local fierce rivals settled for a goalless draw in a friendly match that opened the ultra-modern Amahoro Stadium on Saturday, June 15.
The game started at 5:00 pm but, as at 2:00 pm, the streets leading to the Stadium were full as thousands of football fans queued to the stadium. There was a bit of traffic though the Police coordinated very well with no hustle.
At the entrance of the stadium, stewards were directing spectators to which gates they were supposed to use after they have been inspected by the police officers.
The edifice was almost full 15 minutes after kickoff as each section of the stands was filled.
After the early exchanges where both teams were lively on the ball, Rayon Sports had the first chance in the 8th minute as Kevin Muhire laid a sublime pass to the path of Congolese forward Yannick Yenga, who is in talks over signing for the club, but he blew his shot over the bar.
Two minutes later, Elie Katageya twisted and turned Isaac Mitima but saw his final delivery lacking the needed precision as it went off target.
Yenga again had a glaring chance in the 11th minute to put the Bahead but he failed to connect the ball into the net following a fine cross from Elie Ganijuru with Pierre Ishimwe already beaten.
Rayon skipper Kevin Muhire who looked unplayable in midfield, missed the post by inches after creating space for himself around the 18-yard box in the 20th minute.
APR decided to soak pressure as Rayon did all the attacking. Coach Thierry Hitimana, who was on APR touchline, brought on Ramadhan Niyibizi for Elie Kategeya in the 28th minute in an attempt to add more bite to his attack.
Charles Bbaale crushed a ferocious free kick into the post in the 28th minute before Muhire also had an effort saved by APR shot stopper Pierre Ishimwe in the 35th minute.
The first half ended with the scores at 0-0 though Rayon Sport had created numerous goal scoring chances.
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The second half saw the Blues continuing their dominance, pinning APR to their own half.
Bbaale saw his effort from Muhire’s corner kick in the 53rd minute being cleared off the line by Yunnusu Nshimiyimana who went down injured.
APR were mostly effective on the wings where Gilbert Mugisha and Alain Kwitonda Bacca operated as they used the pace and artistry of the duo to great effect.
Mugisha made way for Arsene Tuyisenge in the 76th minute as the former Rayon Sports player faced his former employers.
Rayon had the chance to break the deadlock in the 77th minute after an extraordinary pass from Muhire but Goalkeeper Ishimwe cleared before it reached Bbaale.
APR became very resolute at the back with Nshimiyimana putting the brakes on Rayon defense with great piece of defending.
Rayon Sports kept pressing but they could not find the back of the net as the game ended goalless.
It is a result that fans from both sides were satisfied with, leaving them enjoying the evening of the opening match of the stadium which had not hosted a football match since mid-June 2022 until the world football governing body, FOFA, approved it to host international football matches.