Gorilla FC maintained their stay in the Primus National League following Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Mukura Victory Sports in their last fixture of the season held at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday, May 11. The win saw Ivan Minnaert’s side finish above the relegation zone. The game started on an intensive pace as both teams made incursions into others’ vital area. There were two clear chances in the opening nine minutes of the game as Johnson Adeaga and Elie saw their shots miss the target from both sides. Gorilla broke the deadlock in the 10th minute through Johnson Adeaga who fired into the roof of the net, converting Cedric Mavugo’s cross. Mukura came strongly into the game with Emmanuel Nsabimana proving to be a tough customer for Gorilla FC with his pace and artistry. Goalkeeper Nicholas Sebwato, who scored twice this season, saw his free kick miss the target to the relief of the Gorilla’s bench as Mukura was pushing for an equalizer. Nsabimana restored parity for Mukurs in the 38th minute as he lobbed a ball last an on rushing Arnold Matumele to make it 1-1. There was a heated argument between Ivan Minnaert and goalkeeper Matumele during the water break. Tempers flared up and it looked Minnaert wasn't happy with the goal the goalkeeper conceded. The first half ended with the scores at 1-1. Gorilla scored their second goal with their first attack in the second half in the 49th minute as an unmarked Mavugo hit a shot past Sebwato from the box to make it 2-1. ALSO READ: Gorilla FC appoint Minnaert as Gatera’s successor Coach Lotfi Afahmia brought on winger Samuel Pimpong for Constantin Cyubahiro in the 60th minute in an attempt to build his attack from the flanks. Both teams tried to hold on to play with the Gorilla midfielder Victor Murdah dictating the pace of the game. Mavugo had two glorious chances in the 80th and 85th minute but Sebwato came to the rescue of the visitor's with great saves at both occasions. The final five minutes of regulation time and the two minutes of injury time saw both teams defending gallantly until referee Patrick Ngaboyisonga blew his whistle for the end of the game. Gorilla have now moved to 35 points and are safe from the drop zone.
