Vision FC’s hopes for a promotion to the top flight league suffered a major blow after they were beaten 1-0 at home to Amagaju FC at Mumena Stadium on Sunday.
The home team was playing with a man down after goalkeeper Emmanuel Twagira was shown a straight red card in the 56 minute for hitting Amagaju’s Shyaka Peirre Celestin on the head.
READ ALSO: Amagaju beat Gicumbi in race for topflight promotion
Claude Niyonkuru struck a late winner in the 90+ 5th minute to help Amagaju register a victory that moved them second in the Big Four mini league.
"We came here to win and we achieved it... we thank God,” said goal-scorer Niyonkuru.
"We knew this was going to be a tough game away from home but we didn’t stop believing and fighting during the game. We got the advantage when their goalkeeper was sent off for a red card but, still, the best team won today,” he added.
Amagaju are chasing a ticket to play topflight football for the first time since 2019.
Club president Paul Nshimyumuremyi, who traveled with his team, said that Sunday’s victory ‘means a lot’ in the topflight promotion battle.
"Today’s win means a lot in this journey, we struggled a lot after losing the first game in Ngoma but we have shown our character and bounced back,” Nshimyumuremyi told Times Sports in a post-match interview.
"This is a step forward to our title ambition though we still need to win every game, our first target is playing in the Premier League next season but we also want to win a second division league title and it’s possible.”
READ ALSO: Vision FC believe they can qualify for topflight league
Elsewhere, Etoile de l’Est thrashed Gicumbi FC 4-1 at Ngoma stadium as they continue to confirm their hunger for topflight football next season.
Boris Nevez scored Etoile’s first goal before Pacific Dukundane hit a brace while substitute Isaie Songa scored the fourth.
Table
1.Etoile de l’Est — 7 points
2. Amagaju FC — 6 points
3. Vision FC — 2 points
4. Gicumbi — 1 point