Barack urges calm after Gicumbi wallop Kiyovu

SaturdaySC Kiyovu 1-4 GicumbiBugesera 0-0 Espoir FridayAPR FC 3-1 Mukura Gicumbi FC head coach Hussein Barack has commended his players and called for calm after seing his side rout SC Kiyovu 4-1 on match-day 3 in the national football league on Saturday. The Northern Province outfit, that was in deep financial crisis before the start of the season and made a sloppy start losing their first game, have managed to bounce back, grabbing four points from the previous two league fixtures, against APR FC (goalless) and SC Kiyovu. Under the guidance of new head coach Barack, Gicumbi FC thumped struggling Kiyovu in a five-goal thriller at Mumena Stadium, thanks to strikes from Egide Rutayisire, who netted a brace, Souleyman Mudeyi and Omar Muhumure. Blaise Bigirimana pulled one back for Aloys Kanamugire’s side, which dropped to 10th place with three points after three rounds of matches, while Gicumbi moved into the top half of the table with four points. “I thank God for this win, we came into this game aiming for three points and, more especially, to try and score many goals. This win is a result of hard work and determination by the players, who deserve credit,” said Barack. Gicumbi, who are yet to play at their home ground this season, lost their opening game 3-2 against Etincelles, before drawing 1-1 with reigning champions APR, and will visit Police FC next weekend. However, former Musanze FC coach Barack, is adamant his side will carry on the fine form against the 2015 Peace Cup winners. The Tanzanian tactician further noted that, “We shall visit Police in our next game and we have no problem, the most important thing is to stay focused and unwavering.” Visiting Gicumbi dominated Kiyovu and it took just seven minutes for Rutayisire to give them the lead, but the hosts regrouped and came back into the game in the 34th minute with Bigirimana’s equaliser. In the second half, Gicumbi upped their game by a notch and Mudeyi put them 2-1 up in the 64th minute, before Rutayisire added the third five minutes later, while Muhumure completed the rout with the fourth goal in the 82nd minute. SC Kiyovu head coach Kanamugire admitted that, “We had a very poor game today. We must blame ourselves because we have been poor in all areas; defensively, attack and even in the midfield.” Nyamirambo-based Kiyovu have won one match in the league this season, against Amagaju 3-1 on match-day 2, and also lost 3-0 to Bugesera FC in the opening game. Defending champions APR FC registered a comfortable 3-0 win over Mukura Victory Sports on Friday at Kigali Regional Stadium to move to seven points. After stumbling the previous week against Gicumbi in a 1-all draw, the 16-time champions won the game courtesy of second half strikes from Blaise Itangishyaka and a brace from Maxime Sekamana, while Christopher Ndayishimiye scored Mukura’s consolation. editorial@newtimes.co.rw