Rayon, Azam share spoils

Cecafa Kagame Cup Today Vital ‘O’ Vs Banadir - 1pm Police Vs El Mereikh- 3pm APR Vs Flambeau- 5pm Yesterday KMKM 1-1 Atlabara KCCA 2-1 Gor Mahia Rayon Sports 0-0 Azam Rayon Sports started their campaign of the 2014 Cecafa Kagame Cup with a barren draw against Tanzanian champions Azam FC yesterday at Amahoro stadium. The Blues were playing their first international game without star players Meddie Kagere, Djamar Mwiseneza and Cedric Amiss, who have since left the club. Azam dominated the proceedings in the first half with Himid Mao Mkami and Herman Kipre Tche Tche terrorising Rayon defence but goalkeeper Gerard Borimana was determined to frustrate the Tanzanians all through. Bikorimana denied Salum Abubakar Salum and Khimis Mcha Khamis, before the blues made a decent attempt at goal through skipper Fuadi Ndayisnga. After recess, Rayon improved their game with new signing Motombo Govin keeping Azam defence on their toes with impressive dribbles. Youssa Betrand had two header attempts saved by goalie Mwadin Ali Mwadin while substitute Gentil Kambale Salita drew another fine Tanzanian save as Rayon mounted pressure. James Tubane, another new Rayon signing, and Arafat Serugendo played an outstanding role as they kept Azam forwards John Bocco, Kipre and Didier Kavumvago at bay. Earlier in the day, KMKM had settled for a one-all draw against Atlabara from South Sudan to leave Group A wide open. Abdullah Muhibu Mudrik scored the opening goal for KMKM on 28th minute before Haji Mngwali Makame scored an own goal on 45th minute to earn a point for the Sudanese. In Group B, Uganda’s KCCA FC opened their campaign with victory after coming from a goal down to beat Kenyan league champions Gor Mahia 2-1. Uganda Cranes striker Daniel ‘Mzee’ Sserunkuma had handed the Kenyan champions a deserved lead in the 27th minute, before substitute Brian Majwega equalised for KCCA seven minutes after recess, with Umony scoring the winner in the 88th minute. Gor Mahia started the brighter side and dominated proceedings launching numerous attacks on the KCC FC goal but goalie Yasin Mugabi was up to the task whenever called upon. Bobby Williamson’s charges however got a deserved lead after Musa Muhammad beat Namwanja Simon down the left flank to cross for Sserunkuma who tapped home despite a forest of legs inside the 18 yard area. The goal forced KCC FC coach George ‘Best’ Nsimbe to withdraw the inefficient Steven Bengo, and bring on Brian Majwega but the Kenyan champions held on to their first half lead, almost comfortably. After recess, Nsimbe made another change bringing on Brian Umony for Herman Wasswa. From that time, the Ugandan side dominated the game and restored parity through Majwega, who tapped home a fine cross from Tom Masiko. The Ugandans were now surging but couldn’t break a resilient Gor backline led by David Owino. At the other end, Gor Mahia threatened through Sserunkuma and Timothy Otieno who forced a double save from Yasin Mugabi. With two minutes left on the clock, Brian Majwega broke down the left and his low cross met Umony who slid the ball at the far corner past a hapless Onyango to win KCCA the tie. KCCA now top Group B with three points. They return to action on Sunday against Atletico at Nyamirambo.