The Rwanda Premier League was back to action over the weekend during which seven of the eight matchday 5 fixtures were completed.
However, Sunday’s match between newcomers Vision FC and Police FC had to be postponed at halftime after Kigali Pele Stadium’s turf was flooded by heavy downpour.
Both teams played the remaining 45 minutes at the same ground on Monday, which eventually ended in a stalemate.
A total of 12 goals were scored across the 8 games with Amagaju and AS Kigali being the only two teams which won away from home.
Times Sport presents to you five takeaways from matchday 5.
Controversial officiating
APR FC had every right to complain as referee Jean Paul Ngabonziza and his assistants Didier Ishimwe and Sandrine Murangwa denied them what was supposed to be a clean goal.
Substitute Richmond Lamptey found his compatriot Alain Kwitonda with a sublime pass and the winger ran from behind with Etincelles defenders ahead of him before placing the ball into the far right corner of the net. But the goal was agonizingly ruled out for a supposed offside which the players and the entire claimed that it never happened.
Etincelles, who were playing at home to Umuganda Stadium, held on to secure a draw against the army side which is fresh from the CAF Champions League.
AS Kigali’s experienced attack prevails again
AS Kigali struggled against Muhazi United at Ngoma Stadium before being saved by their veteran attackers.
Samson Babua gave Muhazi United the lead in the 11th minute, putting the home side in control until the 53rd minute when Emmanuel Okwi restored parity to make it 1-1. Hussein ‘Tshabalala’ Shabani then netted the match-winner in the 86th minute as the Citizens fought back to win 2-1.
By the time AS Kigali were on the wrong foot, the two veteran attackers saved them with two goals which earned them three important points on the road.
Okwi and Tshabalala are already forming a deadly attack and it is evident that they will score more goals as the season progresses.
Kirasa triumphs over Afahmia in tactical battle
It was a real tactical battle between Gorilla coach Alain Kirasa and Mukura Victory Sports gaffer Lotfi Afahmia and, in the end, the former reigned supreme.
With Gorilla leading 1-0 at half time, Afahmia brought on Samuel Pimpong and Agyenim Boateng for Bonheur Sannu and Emmanuel Nsabimana respectively. The two players combined beautifully when Pimpong set up Boateng for the equalizer in the 55th minute.
There was drama to come as Afahmia substituted off defensive midfielder Jordan Dimbumba who was controlling the midfield excellently, and introduced Vincent Adams as number 6. Realising that Dimbumba, who was a real threat for the visitors, is off, Kirasa immediately brought on Hesborn Rutonesha who made an instant impact, by setting up the second goal after destroying Mukura defense
Gorilla scored twice in six minutes as the Mukura midfield was in tatters.
Kiyovu's woes continues
Once upon a time, Kiyovu was the second top force in Rwandan football. They lost the in 2021/22 and 2022/23 league titles to APR by a whisker.
The glory days are undoubtedly behind them as the team is currently struggling on and off the pitch. They have won just a single game and lost four in their past five outings, conceding 8 goals against three scored in the process.
Things are not going well at the club in relations to finance on top of limited squad as a result of the current transfer ban imposed by FIFA,
Sunday’s shock 2-0 defeat at the hands of Amagaju was their fourth loss in a row.
The club management must sit up and use the international break to restrategize and find solutions before things get worse.
Is Pimpong the best right winger in Rwanda so far?
Samuel Pimpong played just 45 minutes Mukura VS during their 2-1 loss against Gorilla FC. He was arguably the man of the match despite coming on as a substitute. Many people at Kigali Pele Stadium were wondering why Afahmia didn't start him.
The Ghanaian set up Boateng's goal in the 55th minute after beating two Gorilla players on the right. He again had a ferocious drive which was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Gad Muhawenayo.
In all, Pimpong created five chances when he came on as a substitute, provided one assists, had two shots on target and won three tackles in just 45 minutes of the second half.