But draw not enough for Ntagwabira’s title hopes

Saturday
Kiyovu 3-2 La Jeunesse
Nyanza 1-1 Rayon Sports
Playing today
APR vs Mukura
Amagaju  vs Marines
Espoir  vs AS Kigali
Police vs Etincelles

BOKOTA Labama Kamana scored a stunning volley on his debut to save ten-man Rayon Sports from the wrath of Nyanza in a national football league match played yesterday at Amahoro stadium.

Rayon sealed the move for the Rwandan international striker from DRC Motema Pembe as a free agent just hours before yesterday’s match.

The DR Congo born striker scored the equalizing goal for Jean Marie Ntagwabira’s title contenders when he connected superbly Karim Nizigiyimana’s well placed pass with 13 minutes left on the clock.

The equalizer arrived barely fives minutes after newly promoted Nyanza had taken a 72nd minute lead from Dusenge Sasha’s goal. The striker did so well to maneuver through a defensive mix-up in Rayon backline to score past goalie Juma Mpongo.

Both sides were reduced to ten men after referee Issa Kagabo gave marching orders, first to Nyanza’s Iddy Nshimiyimana for a second bookable offense on Theoneste Muhayimana in the 43rd minute.

In the second half, Muhayimana was also sent off for a second bookable offense after he intentionally tried to stop a free kick with his hand.

The draw leaves Rayon in fifth position with 11 points while Nyanza moves up one place to ninth spot with three points.

League action continues this afternoon when defending champion APR hosts Mukura in a tricky tie for both teams at Kigali regional stadium in Nyamirambo.

APR will be without first choice goalkeeper Jean Claude Ndoli due to suspension and influential midfielder Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, who misses the game with a freak mouth injury.

However, Dutch coach Ernie Brandts maintains that the mission remains the same; "we have to win extend our winning streak.”

Likewise, his opposite number Bennoit Okoko of Mukura is also optimistic about his team’s chances of getting something against the champions.

"We have not come to Kigali on an adventure but to try and disappoint APR,” the Burundian tactician told Sunday Sport yesterday.

Ends