Marine FC surprised Rayon Sports, holding them to a 0-0 draw, as both teams got their 2024/25 season underway on Saturday, August 17 at Kigali Pele Stadium. Approximately 7,000 enthusiastic Rayon fans turned up to witness their team’s first home game, but despite their support, the match ended in a stalemate. ALSO READ: Robertinho lauds Rayon’s new striker Aziz Bassane The ‘blues’ started the match strong, controlling possession through their solid midfield trio of Olivier Niyonzima, Haruna Majariwa, and Kevin Muhire. Despite their dominance, they struggled to create clear-cut goal scoring chances. The best opportunity of the first half came in the 22nd minute when Muhire found himself in a one-on-one situation with Marine's goalkeeper, Vally Irambona. The talented midfielder controlled the ball well, but his finish was thwarted by Irambona's chest. Three minutes later, Marine's Olivier Usabimana made a dangerous run down the left flank, cutting into Rayon’s penalty area before clashing with a Rayon defender. Marine’s players protested for a penalty but the referee waved play on. Rayon Sports continued to push for a goal. In the 37th minute, Muhire set up Junior Elenga, who then passed the ball to Fitina Omborenga to whip in a cross which was cleared for a corner by Marine’s defence. At the start of the second half, Rayon Sports made a tactical change, substituting striker Charles Baale for Hadji Iragura. The ‘blues’ began the second half with renewed vigour, replicating their midfield dominance from the first half. In the 49th minute, Omborenga delivered a cross into Marine’s penalty area after receiving a pass from Olivier Niyonzima but it was cleared out of danger by Marine’s defence. Marines FC had their best chance in the 70th minute when winger Ebenezer Niyigena who was strategically positioned in Rayon's penalty box, attempted a shot but it was saved by the blues’ goalkeeper Patient Ndukuriryo. The Marine continued to threaten later in the game. In the 87th minute, Sultan Bobo tried to surprise Ndukuriryo with a long-range shot, but the goalkeeper tipped it over for a corner.
