Masudi hails Rayon after extending unbeaten run

SaturdayRayon Sports 5-2 GicumbiMarines 1-1 MukuraPipinierre 1-2 Police FC FridayAS Kigali 2-0 Musanze Djuma Masudi has hailed his Rayon Sports stars after the league leaders defeated Gicumbi FC 5-2 on Saturday at Kigali Regional Stadium, to take their unbeaten run to eight matches – seven wins and a draw. The Blues, who have only lost twice since Masudi took charge in February, took the lead after just eight minutes through Malian striker Moussa Camara before Djabel Manishimwe doubled the lead nine minutes later. Rashid Mutebi pulled one back for Gicumbi in the 32nd minute but Egide Rutayisire scored an own goal to make it 3-1 for Rayon Sports just before half-time. The league leaders started the second half the same way they ended the first, pressing Gicumbi, and indeed, Burundi international Shassir Nahimana netted the fourth on the hour mark, before Rutayisire reduced the deficit for the visitors from a well taken free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Nahimana scored the fifth goal in the 72nd minute to take his tally for the season to six in eight matches as Rayon Sports maintained their unbeaten run and opened a five-point gap between them and second-placed Police FC, who beat bottom side Pepiniere 2-1. “I am happy with the way the players fought hard to win the game, but I am not happy with the way we conceded the two goals, we were too sloppy on both occasions,” Masudi during in a post-match news conference. The former Rayon Sports captain added: “We are looking forward to continue with our winning spirit in the next matches. We believe we can win this league but we need to work and improve on our defending.” At Ruyemzi ground, Innocent Seninga’s Police FC beat Pepiniere, thanks to goals from Eric Ngendahayo and Justin Mico in 44th and 90th minutes, respectively, while Kevin Muhire netted for the hosts in the 90+4 minute. In Rubavu, Marines drew 1-1 against Mukura Victory Sports at Umuganda Stadium. Kevin Hakizimana scored for the visitors while Olivier Usabimana equalised for the hosts. Rayon Sports lead the 16-team league table standing with 22 points, five ahead of Police while defending champions APR FC, who were due in action on Sunday against Sunrise FC, were by press time in third with 14 points. Pipiniere remain bottom with one point. Gicumbi dropped to 14th position with four points. editorial@newtimes.co.rw