Lusaji Mwaikenda’s second half header was enough as Azam FC defeated Rayon Sports 1-0 on Saturday, August 3, in a friendly game held at the Kigali Pele Stadium. The match took place on the occasion of the annual Rayon Day during which the club unveil new prayers, partners and new kits for the new season. The Kigali Pele Stadium was packed to capacity almost two hours before official kickoff as fans witnessed both teams unveiled their squad list for the 2024/25 season before the game started. While veteran Haruna Niyonzima received an emotional reception on his unveiling after returning to the club 17 years later, Kevin Muhire officially retained the armband after club president Jean Fidele Uwayezu announced him as the club captain for the 2024/25 season. After the early exchanges, Aruna Musa Madjaliwa took control of the midfield as he sprayed decent passes to every corner of the field. Azam players were looking on as the Burundian midfielder run a one man show. The first chance of the game fell to the Blues in the 10th minute. Madjaliwa found Haruna Niyonzima with a decent pass on the left, he beat his marker before delivering a teasing ball which goalkeeper Mohammed Mustafa dealt with. Against the run of play, Feisal Abdalla found space inside Rayon penalty box and hit a ferocious drive which was saved by goalkeeper Ndiaye Khadime but the resultant corner kick was wasted in the 14th minute. Charles Bbaale was beautifully played through by Ombrorenga Fitina in the 16th minute but he blasted his effort off target to the dismay of the Blues fans. Both teams were physical as midfielders went in for crunch tackles. Azam goalkeeper Mustafa pulled a superb save from a point blank Aimable Nsabimana header in the 25th minute to deny Rayon the opener. Robertinho and his men tried to move the ball at a faster pace as they used the artistry of Niyonzima and Kevin Muhire in midfield to great effects. Azam were very combative with Ghanaian midfielder James Akaminko serving as the destroyer in midfield. He won most of his tackles and retrieved balls for his team to start attack. Azam forward Gibril Sillah had a chance to shot his side ahead in the 40th minute but his effort lacked the needed precision and was saved by goalkeeper Ndiaye. The first half ended with both teams tied to a 0-0 draw though Rayon were the better side. Azam started the second half looking sharper and more promising as they pinned Rayon Sports into their own half. Gibril Sillah put them ahead in the 47th minute but his goal was ruled offside. Abdul Mtasingwa proved to be a tough customer for Rayon midfielders as he intercepted most of their passes. Robertinho brought on Junior Elenga for Niyonzima in order to beef up his attack. Rayon’s back four went to sleep in the 53rd minute and they were punished by Azam skipper Lusaji Mwaikenda who headed home a beautiful cross from the right to break the deadlock and give his side a 1-0 lead. Rayon charged forward after conceding the goal. They could have pulled the scores level in the 55th minute but Junior Elenga saw his 30 yard drive beautifully saved by goalkeeper Mustafa. The save drew applause from the fans of both side inside the stadium. Azam decided to soak pressure as Rayon did most of the running. Fitina went on a marauding run down the right flank as he left his marker for dead in the 65th minute but Rayon attackers failed to connect his final delivery to Azam’s relief. Feisal Abdalla, who played as a number 10 in the first half, was deployed in a more withdrawn role in the second half as he operated as a box-to-box midfielder. He was full of energy and Rayon players couldn't handle him everytime he bumped forward. It was an end-to-end affair as both teams came all out in the final 10 minutes of the game. Ndiaye pulled another great save to deny Elenga the equalizer in the 85th minute. With the 90 minutes up, the referee signalled for five minutes of additional time. Rayon did all they could to force an equalizer but Azam defended gallantly as they held on to win the game. It wasn’t the result the Blues wished for as Azama extended their Rayon Day winless jinx to three games. Despite the loss, Rayon Sports Day festivities went according to plan as management and players had an opportunity to reconnect with their fans till late 9pm. The likes Platini, Sherrie Silver and DJ Brianne delivered alectric performances to add more color to the celebrations.
