Forward Fall Ngagne and skipper Kevin Muhire scored in either half as Rayon Sport defeated Gorilla FC 2-0 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, November 24, to open a five-point clear at the top of Rwanda Premier League.
The Blues dominated the game from start to end as they made mincemeat of Gorilla FC who were in top form prior to the match.
After the early exchanges, the first chance of the game fell to Rayon's winger Aziz Bassane in the 5th minute but his effort was cleared by Didier Nshutinziza.
A delightful ball from Gorilla FC skipper Victor Murdah found Blaise Nishimwe but the latter's shot was blocked by Aimable Nsabimana in the 14th minute.
Rayon turned from defending to attacking and, in a quick transition, Hadji Iraguha was in the Gorilla penalty box. He was, however, to appeal the ball and Murdah tracked back to clear the danger in the 15th minute.
Gorilla had a free kick around Rayon’s 18-yard box in the 19th minute; Murdah laid it for Hesbon Rutonesha whose bullet shot hit the face of Richard Ndayishimiye. He was taken out for treatment before returning.
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Gorilla's Alex Karenzo received the first yellow card of the game in the 25th minute for a high foot into the chest of Aziz Bassane. Club assistant coach Abouba Sibomana was also booked a minute later over protesting from the bench against the referee’s decision when he ignored a potential foul against Murdah.
Gorilla FC missed the ball in midfield and out of nothing before forward Fall Ngagne hit a screamer from 30 yards to the roof of the net to make it 1-0 for Rayon in the 32nd minute.
The home side began to look jittery at the back as defenders started losing the balls to the Rayon’s attack.
Ngagne could have doubled the lead for the Blues in the 40th minute but goalkeeper Gad Muhawenayo came off his line to save the danger.
Gorilla FC launched an attack in the 45th minute but Aimable Nsabimana cleared the ball off the feet of Karenzo as the first half came to an end with the visitors leading 1-0.
The second half saw the tempo of the game increasing as both teams decided to hold onto the ball.
Iraguha missed a fine chance to make it 2-0 for Rayon in the 54th minute as he majestically controlled a ball in the Gorilla FC penalty box only to shoot off target.
In a split of seconds, Gorilla FC were on the offensive, Franck Nduwimana sent in a fine cross from the right but there was no one to connect as the ball went across the phase of goal.
Rutonesha then lost the ball in his own penalty box in the 58th as he attempted to dribble. Ngagne hit a superb drive which was tipped over the post by goalkeeper Muhawenayo.
Gorilla FC made a mess out of a corner kick as Ndayishimiye cleared Evode Ntwali's shot. Rayon launched a quick counter attack through Aziz Bassane who he fired his effort before it hit the hand of Eric Nduwimana. The referee whistled for a penalty which was coolly dispatched by Kevin Muhire to make it 2-0 in the 60th minute.
Rayon head coach Robertinho made his first substitution in the 74th minute as Adama Bagayoko replaced Bassane in an attempt to sharpen his attacking threat.
Three minutes later, Gorilla FC coach Alain Kirasa also brought on Patrick Manzi and Moussa Mudeyi for Samuel Nsengiyumva and Franck Nduwimana respectively in the 77th minute as he pushed to launch a comeback.
But the changes never stopped Rayon from continuing to pile pressure on Kirasa’s side with Bagayoko in the thick of affairs. The Malian youngster set up Fall Ngagne for what could have been Rayon’s third goal but Muhawenayo pulled a great save to deny the Senegalese forward in the 80th minute.
Gorilla lost control in midfield with only Rutonesha being the player who could hold onto the ball. The porous midfield made Rayon's Ndayishimiye and his skipper Muhire the chance to run through the middle.
Robertinho made his final substitution in the 89th minute, bringing on Abdul Rahman Rukundo for Iraguha.
The Blues pushed for the 3rd goal but Gorilla FC defended well in the final five minutes of the game.
Rayon are unbeaten so far this season and they have now moved to 23 points from the nine games. Gorilla have now dropped to third place, tied on 18 points with Police FC who climbed to second place with a superior goal difference.