Kigali Pele Stadium turned Blue after striker Marie Chavinda scored two goals to inspire Rayon Sports WFC to a 5-2 dramatic victory over AS Kigali women to lift the 2024 Women’ Super Cup on Thursday, September 26.

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The thrilling match was shaped by a series of dramatic goals, as Rayon came from behind to retain the Super Cup trophy.

Claude Rwaka’s charges took an early lead in the 10th minute when Chavinda hit a beautiful finish from a swift counter-attack. Dorothee Mukeshimana provided a pinpoint assist, allowing the Malawi international to slot home the opening goal and give her side an early lead.

AS Kigali, however, pulled the scores even in the 33rd minute under unfortunate circumstances for Rayon. A well-taken corner was cleared by goalkeeper Angelique Ndakimana, before defender Emerance Niyonshuti rebounded the ball into her team’s own net.

Things went from bad to worse for Blues just six minutes later when AS Kigali capitalized on a defensive mix-up. After a failed clearance by Rayon defense, Odette Nguema pounced on the loose ball in the net to put her side ahead 2-1 in the 39th minute. The Citizens since took control of the game until halftime break.

Rayon came out with renewed energy in the second half, and quickly started launching a pressing on AS Kigali. It paid off in the 62nd minute when Chavinda equalized with her second goal of the match. Mukeshimana sent a cross from the left wing but it was partially cleared by the AS Kigali defense before Chavinda, who was left unmarked near the penalty area, headed the ball into the net to make it 2-2 and send Rayon fans into a frenzy.

The momentum shifted in Rayon’s favor as they took the lead in the 82nd minute, they through Rachael Muema. Jeannine Mukandayisenga made an impressive individual run, dribbling past three AS Kigali defenders before delivering a perfect pass to Muema, who calmly finished it off to put her side ahead 3-2.

Late drama

Rayon’s dominance continued to run the show in what turned out to be a goal galore in the final minutes during which they score two more goals to cement the victory.

First, a long-range effort from substitute Hadidja Muhawenimana was fumbled by AS Kigali goalkeeper Diane Uwamahoro, allowing Muhawenimana to tap in the rebound for an easy goal, making it 4-2 in the 86th minute.

And, in injury time, Mukandayisenga secured her late brace with a spectacular solo effort. After beating Libellée Nibagwire for the second time in the match, Mukandayisenga slotted the ball past the keeper to secure Rayon’s emphatic 5-2 victory.