A 70th minute wonder strike from Ugandan forward Yafesi Mubiru proved to be the match winner as lowly Sunrise FC threw Kiyovu Sports’ title ambitions into jeopardy with a 1-0 victory at Nyagatare Stadium on Sunday.
Sunrise FC completed a double over title chasers, as the victory secured their Premier League status for the 2023/24 season while the Mumena-based club faltered again when it mattered most just like they did last season.
Kiyovu needed either a win or a draw from the game to remain in pole position of ending their 30-year title wait and they started brightly with a three-man attack consisting of Erisa Ssekisambu, Bertrand Iradukunda and Fred Muhozi.
The trio made early incursions into the Sunrise area but they failed to find the back of the net.
Sunrise, on the other hand, decided the soak the pressure and relied mostly on counter attacks. They were using Samson Babuwa and Yafesi Mubiru as their two front men with the former in a more central role due to his ability to hold on to the ball.
Both teams played some delightful football but it was Kiyovu who were more threatening as they used Ally Serumogo’s lightning pace on the right flank to great effect.
The first half ended with a goalless draw though the Green Baggies were slightly on top of the encounter.
Sunrise FC changed their tactics in the second half as Mubiru decided to drift more to the left and tried to cut in and shoot on his favourable right foot.
The home team’s persistence paid off in the 70th minute as Mubiru scored a goal of the season contender. He took the ball on the left side of attack, beat his marker and cut in before delivering a superb strike to the far corner of the net with keeper Yves Kimenyi having no chance to save it.
Kiyovu had a chance to restore parity later as they were awarded a penalty after Abedi Bigirimana was kicked in the head in the final ten minutes of the game. Erisa Ssekisambu stepped up and agonizingly blasted his effort over the bar.
Chances were far and few afterwards as Sunrise held on to their 1-0 victory leaving the Kiyovu fans in total dismay.
Kiyovu’s pain became title rivals APR’s gain. The army side moved back to the top of the league table with a convincing 4-1 victory over Rwamagana City.
Innocent Nshuti scored a hat-trick with Gilbert Mugisha adding one while the scored the consolation goal through Lisombo Lisele.
Elsewhere in Rusizi, Musanze FC pipped already relegated Espoir 1-0 as 10-man Etincelles beat Bugesera FC 3-2 at Umuganda Stadium.
Rayon also ended Marines FC six-game unbeaten run as they defeated them 2-0 while Rutsiro continued their survival mission with a shocking 2-0 away win over AS Kigali.
Kiyovu’s defeat saw them drop to second in the table tied on 60 points with APR who lead the table on goal difference.
The army will have to make no mistake and get nothing but a win over Espoir in their final league game to be crowned champions for the third time in a row.
But a defeat or a draw would also blow their last-minute chance of clinching the title as long as Kiyovu beat Rutsiro on May 28.