League leaders Police FC and Gorilla FC settled for a 0-0 draw in a keenly contested Rwanda Premier League encounter held at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, October 20. The result saw Vincent Mashami’s side open a one-point gap at the top after six match days of the campaign. Both teams started the game with high intensity as they aimed to take an early lead. Gorilla FC had the first chance of the game after seven minutes of action. Darcy Irakoze latched onto a through pass from skipper Victor Murdah but he shot straight into the waiting arms of goalkeeper Patience Niyongira. Police FC couldn't find their rhythm in midfield where Gorilla FC were very compact with Hesbon Rutonesha just in front of Murdah in a double pivot. ALSO READ: Rampant Police FC put four past Kiyovu SC Elijah Ani blasted a shot off target in the 20th minute after Didier Mugisha had done all the work on the right flank. ALSO READ: Gorilla FC vows to compete for League titles Irakoze, who missed his club's first chance again saw his effort saved by Niyongira in the 27th minute. Gorilla were also denied a penalty by centre referee Celestin Nsabimana in the 35th minute after Alex Karenzo’s shot hit the Samuel Ndizeye’s hand in the 18-yard box. Gorilla FC took control of the game with great interposition play especially in midfield but they still struggled to utilize the chances which came their way as the first half ended level on 0-0. The second half saw Gorilla maintaining possession as they pinned Police FC into their own half. The visitors covered every space as they gave Police FC no room to operate. Evode Ntwari saw his strike inside the penalty box miss the post by inches in the 58th minute to the relief of the Police FC bench. Police coach Vincent Mashami made 3 changes in the 73rd minute as he brought on Peter Agblevor, Richard Kilongozi and Djibrine Akuki for Abedi Bigirimana, Elijah Ani and Didier Mugisha respectively. Agblevor could have broken the deadlock with his first touch in the 75th minute following a through ball from the midfield but Kevin Uwimana blocked his effort with his body. Simeon Iradukunda could have scored against his former side, only to see his shot hit the post with a ferocious drive from 20 yards after which Issah Yakubu, who was unmarked in the box, saw his curling effort from the rebound missed target narrowly in the 86th minute. After the 90 minutes of action, there was 7 minutes of additional time, but neither side managed to score as the game ended 0-0. Police are now top of the standings with 12 points, one clear of second placed Rayon Sports who have played a game less and Gorilla FC who are third with 11 points.
