A brace from forward Serge Kabanda was all that Gasogi United needed to beat Rayon Sports 2-1 at Kigali Pele Stadium as the Primus National League returned on Friday, January 12. Kabanda scored in either half before Rayon Sports substitute Heritier Luvumbu a consolation goal in the injury time but it was not enough to give the Blues a single point. ALSO READ: Rayon Sports out to maintain dominance against Gasogi United The encounter started brightly for both teams but Rayon looked more purposeful as their laterals like Elie Ganijuru and Ali Serumogo embarked on marauding runs down the flanks. The visitors also looked well organized in midfield before Gasogi warmed themselves into the game. The home side found spaces to operate from the 20th minute as Rayon conceded the opening goal due to shallow marking. Gasogi came into the picture and began bombarding the vital area of Rayon Sports. Theodor Malipangou who was very key for Gasogi was a delight to watch with his incisive passes and ability to exert his influence in the game. The deadlock was finally broken in the 30th minute when Kabanda simply tapped the ball into the net inside the box to give Gasogi the lead. Gasogi goalkeeper Ibrahima Daouda pulled a couple of superb saves to deny Rayon new signing Paul Gomis the equalizer as the first half came to an end. Rayon coach Mohammed Wade made three substitutions before the second half atarted. The coach brought on Isaac Mitima for Aimable Nsabimana, Heritier Luvumbu for Rashid Kalisa and Alseny Camara for Paul Gomis. Just as Rayon was taken control once again, Kabanda stunned them with a fabulous finish in the 60th minute to record a personal brace and give his side a 2-0 lead. Going 2-0 up, Gasogi decided to soak the pressure and try to hit Rayon on the counter. Both teams had glorious chances but they missed them with goalkeepers Bonheur Hatekimana and Ibrahima Daouda being called to duty on several occasions. Rayon finally reduced the deficit in the 93rd minute through a strike from Heritier Luvumbu but Gasogi held on to the 2-1 win.
