PHOTOS: Rayon Sports held by AS Kigali in league opener

SundayBugesera FC 1-3 Amagaju FCMiroplast FC 1-2 Marine FcRayon Sports 1-1 AS KigaliSC Kiyovu 1-0 Musanze Azam Rwanda Premier League champions Rayon Sports started their title defence drawing 1-1 against AS Kigali at Kigali Stadium on Sunday. Rayon sports Malian striker Tidiane Kone beats Ally Niyonzima to the ball during the match. New signings Caleb Bonfils Bimenyimana scored for Rayon Sports in the 42nd minute before Eric Radu Iradukunda equalised for the home side in the 89th minute. Rayon Sports striker Musabyimana is joined by his teammates Yannick and Kwizera to celebrate the goal. AS Kigali supporters enjoyed the draw 1-1 during their first match of the season. Rayon Sports’ draw came 24 hours after archrivals and closest title challengers APR FC won their season opener 2-0 against Sunrise FC 2-0 at the same venue. AS Kigali winger Eric Iradukunda scored the equalizing goal at Kigali Stadium. The military side scored their goals through forward Muhadjir Hakizimana in the 46th minute and an own goal by Regis Mushimiyimana in the 78th minute. Rayon Sports skipper Ndayishimiye looks dispirited after the draw in the last minutes of the game Elsewhere, on Sunday, Bugesera FC lost to Amagaju 1-3 at Kicukiro Stadium. AS Kigalis new player Ally Niyonzima vies for the ball with Rayon Sports striker Tidiane Kone during the match. The Nyamagabe-based Amagaju won their opening match of the season courtesy of goals from striker Shabban Hussein Tchabalala in the first half and Amani Mugisho, who netted a second brace for Pablo Nduwimanas team. Samson Ikechukwu had equalised for Ali Bizimungu’s side in first half. Rayon Sports attacking midfielder Pierrot Kwizera shields the ball from AS Kigali defender during the 1-1 draw at Kigali Stadium SC Kiyovu also got their campaign off to a winning start, beating visiting Musanze FC 1-0 at Mumena stadium. New signing Ramadhan Vino’s goal in the first minute was enough to win all three points for Andre Cassa Mbungo’s team. Eric Nshimiyimana and Olivier Karekezi were both Amavubi players, the clash between their team was so tough Newly promoted Miroplast FC lost at home 1-2 against Marines at Mironko Stadium. Rayon Sports midfielder Yannick Mukunzi communicates with his teammates in the second half. Earlier on Saturday, Police FC lost their first game of the season against hosts Etincelles 3-1 at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu, while Mukura defeated Kirehe 1-0 and in Gicumbi, Godfroid Okoko’s team won 1-0 against Espoir. AS Kigali head coach Eric Nshimiyimana gives instructions to his players during the second half Rayon Sports players thank fans for turning up after their first match of the season at Kigali Stadium. editorial@newtimes.co.rw