Rayon Sports climbed to the apex of the 2022/23 Rwanda Premier League table after a convincing 2-0 win over strugglers Rutsiro FC at Umuganda Stadium on Saturday.
Ugandan duo Mussa Esenu and Joachim Ojera scored in either half to secure the three points in Rubavu in a match that the Blues dominated the ball possession.
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Rutsiro could, from the beginning of the games, hardly cope with the firepower of the league title contenders as they decided to stay in their half and defend with the likes of Gad Ndizeye and Pacifique Iradukunda forming a defensive wall against the visitors.
Rayon's attack led by start forward Leandre Onana, Joackim Ojera and Musa Esenu found it hard to penetrate the home side’s defense as most of their efforts were thwarted despite their team being in firm control.
There were few clear cut chances until the 41st minute when Esenu headed home the opener after some good display.
The first half ended with Rayon leading 1-0 and having the greatest share of ball possession.
Rutsiro briefly came into the game after recess and pinned Rayon to their own half but their attackers did little to trouble Blues’s defense led by fit-again skipper Abdul Rwatubyaye.
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Rayon, on the other hand, exploited Onana’s pace to greater effects as he at times switched to the wings to send in crosses to the vital area.
New loan signing Joackim Ojera opened his goal account at Rayon as his 89th minute sensational finish extended the club’s lead to 2-0 and seal the victory that saw the go top of the table with 42 points, two ahead of APR who have a game less before Sunday’s trip to Musanze.
In other games, a 48th minute wonder strike from Bienvenue Mugenzi aided Kiyovu Sports to a 1-0 win over Bugesera FC at Muhanga Stadium that to which the Green Baggies moved second with 41 points.
Elsewhere, Onesme Twizerimana’s lone goal in the 17th minute helped Gorilla FC pip Rwamagana City 1-0 at Bugesera Stadium in Nyamata, a result that kept them in the relegation safety.