Rutsiro FC were crowned champions of the FERWAFA 2023/24 Second Division League after beating Vision FC 2-1 in the final playoff match held at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Saturday, June 8. ALSO READ: Rutsiro FC, Vision FC promoted to topflight league The match was tightly contested as both teams were tied on 10 points prior to the match and had already secured promotion to the topflight division. Rutsiro FC dominated possession with a high-line defense, while Vision FC built their game plan on counterattacks. Despite Rutsiro's control, Vision FC missed several key opportunities. Striker Rashid Mutebi squandered a golden chance that could have given Vision FC the lead after receiving a perfect through pass from Emmanuel Harerimana. The Uganda forward found himself one-on-one with Rutsiro's goalkeeper Evariste Kagame only to chip the ball over the cross bar. Musa Gatera’s side took the lead in the 26th minute when Eric Kwizera scored with a header, assisted by Jean Claude Nizeyimana. Vision FC had another opportunity to equalize in the 32nd minute, but Mutebi's flick from Laurent Nshimiye’s cross went wide. The first half ended with Rutsiro leading 1-0. Vision FC made tactical changes before the second half started, with Fils Muvunyi bringing on Radjab Mbanjineza for captain Vivens Mukunzi. Mbanjineza quickly made an impact, winning a free kick in the 52nd minute. Harerimana delivered the set piece, and defender Richard Nsengimana headed in the equalizer. It seemed like it wasn’t Mutebi’s day as he continued to struggle, missing another chance in the 66th minute from a Banjineza cross. In the 80th minute, Claude Nizeyimana added the second and decisive goal for Rutsiro with a stunning strike from outside the box, beating Vision FC's goalkeeper Regis Shyaka. With the victory, Rutsiro FC finished at the top of the playoffs table standings with 13 points out of a possible 18, three points ahead of Vision FC. Both teams qualified for the 2024/25 topflight football season, replacing relegated Sunrise FC and Etoile de l’Est. The Western Province-based team received their trophy from FERWAFA president Alphonse Munyantwali and Rwanda Premier League chairman Hadji Mudaheranwa. On top of the trophy, Rutsiro FC walked away with a cash prize of Rwf 8 million while the runners-up Vision FC received Rwf 5 million.
