Abdel Aziz Harerimana's first half strike was enough to hand Gasogi maximum points as they defeated Mukura Victory Sports 1-0 at Huye Stadium on match day 1 of the 2024/25 Primus National League on Thursday, August 15.
The game started on a slow pace as both teams played without the needed urgency.
Mukura Victory Sports’ striker Agyenim Boateng Mensah had the first chance of the game in the 8th minute. He dribbled past his marker Govin Nshimiyimana close to the penalty area, before he was brought down. The referee awarded a free-kick but it was wasted.
Gasogi United did not see much of the ball but looked dangerous anytime they moved forward, making use of their burly striker Syntrick Baloukoulou.
Mukura Victory dominated possession but their left back position, where Vincent Adams plays, served as a leeway for Gasogi. The visitors used the area to great effect as Danny Niyongira whipped in a ball from that side in the 32nd minute, which goalkeeper Nicholas Sebwato spilled.
Abdel Aziz Harerimana who was lurking inside the Mukura penalty box bundled it home to give Gasogi a 1-0 lead.
Mukura were forced to make a change in the 40th minute with Christian Nisingizwe coming in for Jordan Dimbumba as the midfielder was limping with injury.
The second half saw Mukura maintain their dominance though they failed to score. In the 50th minute, Elie Tatou had the chance to restore parity for Mukura but he attracted booking for a dive.
A master piece of defending from Abdul Jalilu prevented Gasogi from netting the second goal as he beautifully stripped Baloukoulou off the ball before locating Tatou with a long pass.
Mukura coach Lotfi Afahmia made three changes by bringing in Jean Marie Muvandimwe for Zuberi Hakizimana, Emmanuel Nsabimana for Obed Uwumukiza and Justin Irumva for Obed Niyozeneye.
In the 70th minute, Mukura’s goalkeeper Nicholas Sebwato pulled off an extraordinary save from a Niyongira long drive to avoid further damage.
Elsewhere, Yves Mugunga netted a 96th minute goal as Gorilla FC beat a resilient Vision FC side 1-0, while Bugesera FC and Amagaju settled for 0-0 draw Vs Nyamata.