Rayon Sports players celebrate the 1-0 crucial win aginst APR FC at Huye Stadium on Sunday, February 12. The victory not only ended APR’s dominance during the past four years but also saw Rayon close the gap to within just one point to the league summit. All photos by Olivier Mugwiza
Rayon Sports ended their four-year winless run against APR following Sunday’s hard-fought 1-0 derby victory over the military side in arguably the biggest fixture of Rwandan Premier League week 19.
The tightly-contested derby, for its first time, was hosted at the fully-packed Huye Stadium.
It was a do-or- die game for Burundian Francis Haringingo who knew only the victory would save his job as the Blues' tactician after a couple of matches without pleasing his side.
Midfielder Eric Ngendahimana’s 33rd minute strike proved to be the match winner that brought Blues’ title winning ambitions back on track.
In a tense encounter, Ben Moussa’s APR battled for the equalizer but the determined Rayon's defenders kept his men at bay till the full time whistle.
Haringingo’s side now sit fourth with 36 points and moved level on points with Gasogi United and AS Kigali who are ahead on goal difference. Despite losing the derby, APR stay at the top of the table with 37 points.
The New Times' photographer Olivier Mugwiza, covered the derby and brought some pictures for highlights.
The well-known Rayon Sports supporter Rwarutabura with his rival Rujugiro before the game.
Madeleine Mukanemeye, a 96-year-old national football team fan and Mukura VS' supporter attended the game. Captured here on her way to the stadium.
Rayon Sports skipper Abdoul Rwatubyaye, has been out of action through a lengthy injury since October. His presence in Haringingo's squad played a key role to win the most anticipated match.
APR FC line up before the game. Among the squad, there was Lague Byiringiro who bids farewell to APR as he opens new chapter at the Swedish third tier club Sandvikens IF.
Ben Moussa and his assistants in the first half.
Rayon Sports players pose for a group photo before the game
The Blues supporters cheer on their players at Huye Stadium.
Fans during the game
Some of the spectators who failed to book their seats , photographed here stranded at the main gate during the game.
APR FC' Prince Buregeya controls the ball during the game. The game started brightly with great attacking displays from both teams as they took time to explore the approach to break the deadlock in the early stages.
Central referee Nsoro Ruzindana shows a yellow card to Leandre Onana
The game started brightly with great attacking displays from both teams as they took time to explore the approach to break the deadlock in the early stages.
APR FC supporters before the game
Anicet dribbles past Rayon Sport's . The game started brightly with great attacking displays from both teams as they took time to explore the approach to break the deadlock in the early stages.
The game had it all, great atmosphere, tactical game plan, good individual performance and others.
Madeleine Mukanemeye, a 96-year-old national football team fan, seen here supporting Army Side team during the tightly-contested derby at Huye Stadium on Sunday
A landscape view of Huye International stadium. The tightly-contested derby, for its first time, was hosted at the fully-packed Huye Stadium.
The Blues women supporters backing the team in the first half.
Rayon Sports striker Leandre Onana vies for the ball with APR FC Right-back Fitina Ombolenga during the game.
Striker Leande Onana wins the ball APR FC right-back Fitina Omborenga during the tightly-contested derby, at Huye stadium on Sunday, February 12. All photos by Olivier Mugwiza
Central referee Nsoro Ruzindana shows a yellow card to Leandre Onana
The fouth referee briefing RayonSports' astistant coach in the second half.
The second half of the game saw Rayon pushing more men forward with APR FC also sitting back to try and catch them on the break.
Rayon medical team help a player to leave the pitch after a minor injury.
Despite losing the derby, APR stay at the top of the table with 37 points.
The game had it all, great atmosphere, tactical game plan, good individual performance and others.
Former Rayon Sports head coach Olivier Karekezi attended the country's big derby at Huye based stadium.
Rayon had a swift counter attack in the 33rd minute in which Leandre Onana was cynically brought down by Bosco Ruboneka who was booked by referee Ruzindana Nsoro after awarding a free kick to the Blues
The victory not only ended APR’s dominance during the past four years but also saw Rayon close the gap to within just one point to the league summit.
Army side's goalkeeper in the nets, photographed here trying to stop Eric Ngendahimana's goal
Goalkeeper tries to save his goalie. Rayon Sports ended their four-year winless streak over APR with a hard fought 1-0 victory in the Rwandan Premier League week 19 top fixture on Sunday, February 12.
Goal scorer Eric Ngendahimana (behind the nets) celebrates his lone gaol of the derby at Huye Stadium.
The hero of the game, goal scorer Eric Ngendahimana celebrates behind the nets. Rayon Sports ended their four-year winless streak over APR with a hard fought 1-0 victory in the Rwandan Premier League week 19 top fixture on Sunday, February 12.
Haringingo’s side now sit fourth with 36 points and moved level on points with Gasogi United and AS Kigali who are ahead on goal difference
Rayon Sports players celebrate the 1-0 crucial win aginst APR FC at Huye Stadium on Sunday, February 12. The victory not only ended APR’s dominance during the past four years but also saw Rayon close the gap to within just one point to the league summit. All photos by Olivier Mugwiza
The Blues supporters cheer on their players after stunning 1-0 the rivals at Huye Stadium.
Rayon Sports substitutes celebrate the victory.
APR captain Djabel Imanishimwe (2nd Right) looks so dejected and Lague Byiringiro who will soon join the Swedish third tier club Sandvikens IF
APR 's famous supporter Rujugiro seen here looks so dispirited as his side is beaten 1-0
Despite losing the derby, APR stay at the top of the table with 37 points.
The Blues Fans in celebration during the game. Midfielder Eric Ngendahimana was the hero as his 33rd minute strike proved to be the match winner and put Blues’ title winning ambitions back on track.
Haringingo’s side now sit fourth with 36 points and moved level on points with Gasogi United and AS Kigali who are ahead on goal difference. Despite losing the derby, APR stay at the top of the table with 37 points.
Despite losing the derby, APR stay at the top of the table with 37 points.
Despite losing the derby, APR stay at the top of the table with 37 points.
The victory not only ended APR’s dominance during the past four years but also saw Rayon close the gap to within just one point to the league summit.
APR FC caoch Ben Moussa shouts to his players as Rayon Sports' Francis Haringingo also tries to communicate to his players. The game had it all, great atmosphere, tactical game plan, good individual performance and others. It was a do-or- die game for Burundian Francis Haringingo who knew only the victory would save his job as the Blues' tactician after a couple of matches without pleasing his side.
APR FC stopper Pierre Ishimwe in action, saves his goalie in the second half. The youngster did all his best to control the Blues' strikers who wanted to revenge after four years without beating Army Side team.
Rayon Sports players celebrate the crucial win over APR FC after four year.
Thousands of Rayon Sports supporters celebrating the victory
Leandre Onana applauds in the same way with Rayon's fans during after the match
Rwatubyaye celebrates with his teammate
Goalkeeper Adolphe thanks the supporters after the game
The Blues' President of Fan Clubs Claude celebrates the victory with Team captain Abdoul Rwatubyaye. The skipper Rwatubyaye stood resolute with some great defending displays as the first half came to an end. All photos by Olivier Mugwiza
Team captain Abdoul Rwatubyaye and Rayon Sports President Jean Fidèle Uwayezu in a warm celebration after shocking Army Side by 1-0 at Huye Stadium.
The Blues' President of Fan Clubs Claude celebrates the victory with the club's goalkeeper Adolphe after the game
Rayon Sports President Uwayezu Jean Fidèle is lifted up by players and team staff while celebrating the crucial win over APR
Excited spectators cheer on their players during the match that their side won by 1-0 over APR FC.
APR FC supporters look so disappointed while looking how Rayon Sports' celebrate the 1-0 victory on Sunday at Huye stadium. All photos by Olivier Mugwiza.
Rayon Sports head coach, the Burundian tactician , Francis Haringingo with a smile after stunning the rivals 1-0 at Huye Stadium. The victory not only ended APR’s dominance during the past four years but also saw Rayon close the gap to within just one point to the league summit. It was a do-or- die game for Burundian Francis Haringingo who knew only the victory would save his job as the Blues' tactician after a couple of matches without pleasing his side.
Players and team staff sing Rayon Sports' anthem. The victory not only ended APR’s dominance during the past four years but also saw Rayon close the gap to within just one point to the league summit.
Rayon Sports ended their four-year winless streak over APR with a hard fought 1-0 victory in the Rwandan Premier League week 19 top fixture on Sunday, February 12.