Forward Fiston Ishimwe opened his goal account at Rayon Sports who played out 1-1 with Gorilla FC in preseason friendly match held at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Saturday, July 20.
The former AS Kigali man was among eight new players who started the match for the Blues.
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Goalkeeper Patient Ndikuriyo, Fitina Ombolenga, Richard Ndayishimiye, Gning Omar, Olivier Niyonzima, Fisto Ishimwe, Abdou Rahman Rukundo, and Paul Jesus also made their debut at the club.
Notable absentees from the team’s squad were skipper Kevin Muhire and new signing Haruna Niyonzima.
Gorilla FC, on the other hand, fielded a strong lineup including new goalkeeper Gad Muhawenayo who joined the club from Musanze FC.
It was Gorilla FC who took an early lead as Bobo Camara headed in the opener from a corner kick after just six minutes of action.
Rayon Sports had their first significant opportunity in the 17th minute when Abdulrahman Rukundo’s free kick was expertly saved by Muhawenayo, resulting in a corner.
Just four minutes later, Rayon equalized in spectacular fashion. Fiston Ishimwe executed a stunning bicycle kick after a well-placed header assist from Aimable Nsabimana, following a precise cross by Fitina Ombolenga.
Both teams since built their game from midfield, with Rayon dominating possession but they were not able to capitalize their chances as first half ended with the pair tied at 1-1.
The second half began sluggishly, with so much caution from either side but, as the match progressed, Rayon began to dominate the midfield.
In the 52nd minute, Hadji Iraguha missed a golden opportunity to put Rayon ahead only to send Elie Ganijuru’s cross over the bar.
Both teams made a couple of substitutions. Rayon Sports were looking more purposeful in front of goal as they created a couple of chances
but Muhawenayo’s stellar goalkeeping exploits saved his team from conceding what would have been a match winner for the Blues.
In the final minute of regular time, Gorilla FC nearly secured a dramatic victory. Justin Ikundabayo’s powerful shot from outside the box hit the crossbar, much to the relief of Rayon fans.
The highlight of the day was the debut of Rayon’s 20-year-old midfielder Adama Bagayogo, who came on as a substitute in the 80th minute. The youngster, said to have been brought by former coach Julien Mette, used the few minutes he was given to put impress the fans with his dribbling, physicality, and composure on the ball.
His performance was so well-received that he was crowded by the fans who gave him money in appreciation of his performance.
Times Sport understands that the Malian youngster has not signed a contract yet as he has been playing in Rayon’s youth team. He could sign his first contract before the season kicks off.