RTV showbiz reporter Lucky Nzeyimana with other SC Kiyovu fans raise the team's flag on their way to Musanze to support their side at Ubworoherane Stadium on Sunday, May 7. All Photos by Olivier Mugwiza
SC Kiyovu inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Musanze FC on Sunday, May 7, to open a three-point lead in the Rwanda Premier League title race.
Burundian midfielder Ismail ‘Pitchou’ Nshimirimana scored inside 39 seconds to send the Green Baggies traveling fans into frenzy at Ubworoherane Stadium.
The early goal had an adverse effect on the home side as they began to chase the game but the league leaders stood firmly in control.
The victory saw Kiyovu open a three-point advantage at the summit of the table with 60 points.
They now need at least four points from their final two matches against Sunrise and Rutsiro to clinch their first league title since 1993.
The Mumena based team was escorted by hundreds of supporters from Kigali to Musanze in what was believed to be a winning parade.
The New Times photographer Olivier Mugwiza was on the ground and captured moments you might have missed through his lens.
Photographed here are the spirited Green Baggies on their way to Ubworoherane Stadium in Musanze District.
Some fans drove their own cars to back the Mumena based team as they face Musanze FC in a quite decisive game of the league.
Committed the Green supporters as they travel to Musanze for the match at Ubworoherane Stadium
A picturesque view a colorful parade of SC Kiyovu supporters on their way to the stadium.
Spirited SC KIyovu supporters heading to the stadium for game
Team supporters on their way to Musanze.
Team supporters boarded many buses to Musanze.
Team supporters boarded many buses to Musanze.
Ladies who are SC Kiyovu fans were captured here, enjoying their travel from Kigali to Musanze to back their side
RTV showbiz reporter Lucky Nzeyimana with his friends on their way to Musanze to support Kiyovu
Some of SC Kiyovu supporters chat before the game as they arrive at Ubworoherane stadium on Sunday, May 7
Kiyovu Fan Clubs supporting the team at Ubworoherane Stadium
The International referee Samuel Uwikunda officiates at the game
Both teams and supporters observe a moment of silence to pay respect to people who were killed by floods on May 2-3 in Rwanda. According to the statistics at least 130 lost their lives due to the rain that ravaged West and North of the country.
Hundreds of Kiyovu fans accompanied the Mumena based team in Musanze
SC Kiyovu players greet their fans before starting the game
Musanze FC supporters turned up to support their team as they play at home
Musanze adopted a defensive approach as they played compactly at the back and gave the league leaders no room to operate.
Musanze FC stopper Steven Ntaribi looks back in the nets as Ismail ‘Pitchou’ Nshimirimana scored inside 39 seconds to help Kiyovu Sports beat Musanze FC 1-0 at Ubworoherane Stadium on Sunday, May 7, and open a three-point lead in the Rwanda Premier League title race.
SC Kiyovu fans cheer on their players after scoring the lone goal of the game at Ubworoherane stadium.
SC Kiyovu players celebrate a crucial win as Kiyovu Sports beat Musanze FC 1-0 at Ubworoherane Stadium on Sunday, May 7. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza
The Green fans in a dance of celebration as Pitchou, the Burundian midfielder puts Kiyovu in pole position for title win in Musanze
The Green supporters enjoy a dance of celebration as the Burundian Pitchou opens the Musanze FC's goalie
The early goal had an adverse effect on the home side as they began to chase the game with the league leaders firmly in control.
SC Kiyovu players celebrate a crucial win as Kiyovu Sports beat Musanze FC 1-0 at Ubworoherane Stadium on Sunday, May 7. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza
The Green fans in a dance as Pitcho, the Burundian midfielder puts Kiyovu in pole position for title win in Musanze
Yves Kimenyi, the SC Kiyovu goalkeeper who is also the team captain, seen here in action as he saves his goalie during the game. Kiyovu remained very resolute at the back as the visitors kept Musanze’s attack at bay until the final whistle.
Supporters chat during the game. The Mumena-based side now needs just four points from their final two games to be crowned champions
Musanze FC fans were hopeful that their side can win a goal
Musanze FC adopted a defensive approach as they played compactly at the back and gave the league leaders no room to operate.
In the second half , Musanze players try all their best to get a goal
Kiyovu Sports fans follow the game as Musanze FC strikers need a goal for equalizer.
SC Kiyovu assistant coach consult with the head coach during the game so as they can maintain the goal. The victory saw Kiyovu to 60 points, opening a three-point advantage at the summit with two games to go.
SC Kiyovu goalkeeper Yves Kimenyi who is also the team captain, seen here in action as he saves his goalie during the game. There were less chances in the second half though Musanze looked threatening when they were in attack.
The victory saw Kiyovu to 60 points, opening a three-point advantage at the summit with two games to go.
There were less chances in the second half though Musanze looked threatening when they were in attack.
Kiyovu remained very resolute at the back as the visitors kept Musanze’s attack at bay until the final whistle.
Musanze FC goalkeeper Steven Ntaribi tries to save his goalie in the second half.
Many supporters of the host were disappointed to see Kiyovu beating Musanze at home
Musanze adopted a defensive approach as they played compactly at the back and gave the league leaders no room to operate.
Musanze FC defender Gasongo clearing his side
Musanze adopted a defensive approach as they played compactly at the back and gave the league leaders no room to operate.
SC Kiyovu players celebrate a crucial win as Kiyovu Sports beat Musanze FC 1-0 at Ubworoherane Stadium on Sunday, May 7. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza
Players celebrate the 1-0 win over Musanze FC that enabled the Green to sit in pole position for title win
The Green supporters celebrate after the game. The victory saw Kiyovu to 60 points, opening a three-point advantage at the summit with two games to go. They now need at least four points from their final two matches against Sunrise and Rutsiro to clinch their first league title since 1993.
SC Kiyovu striker Bertrand Iradukunda poses for a photo as he celebrates the victory.
Kiyovu Sports skipper Yves Kimenyi celebrates a crucial win as the Green beat Musanze FC 1-0 to lead the league table on Sunday, May 7.
SC Kiyovu now need at least four points from their final two matches against Sunrise and Rutsiro to clinch their first league title since 1993.
The Green supporters celebrate after the game. The victory saw Kiyovu to 60 points, opening a three-point advantage at the summit with two games to go. They now need at least four points from their final two matches against Sunrise and Rutsiro to clinch their first league title since 1993.