RAYON SPORTS caretaker Marcel Lomami has praised his players after the Blues defeated AS Kigali in a pulsating match at Kigali Stadium on Saturday.

First-half goals from in-form Youssef Rharb and Manasse Mutatu handed the Blues an early lead before the City of Kigali-sponsored club scored the consolation goal thanks to Latif Bishira’s second half strike.

It was Lomami’s first win as club caretaker since Djuma Masudi was suspended by the club management two weeks ago due to a poor run of results. 

After losing his first match against rivals Kiyovu SC last week, Lomami said he knew beating AS Kigali was the only way to get the confidence back among his players as he seeks to bring the team back in the title race.

"I took time to speak to the players before we faced AS Kigali. I tried to boost their confidence because they looked discouraged after losing the Kiyovu game. We knew AS Kigali would give us a big challenge but I am happy with the performance they showed today and how they responded with two early goals. They only needed confidence to win the game,” he said in a post-match press conference.

"I hope they carry on with it in the next fixtures,” he added.

The Blues will be looking to maintain their winning run when they host Police FC on Wednesday, December 22, at Kigali Stadium.

It’s a game that Lomami believes Rayon can win should his boys play with a winning mentality they showed during the Kigali game.

"If they keep improving and play like they played today against AS Kigali, I think we can also win the Police game,” said Lomami who will be happy to have striker Andre Onana back to lead the forward line.

After nine league match days, Rayon Sports sit fourth on the league table with 15 points, a point behind unbeaten APR FC while AS Kigali remain second despite Rayon defeat.

Kiyovu, who came from behind to beat Mukura VS&L 2-1 at Huye Stadium, lead the table with 20 points.