Rayon Sports put up yet another superb performance at Kigali Pele Stadium as they defeated city rivals Police FC 2-0 on Saturday, January 4, to maintain their eight-point lead at the top of the Rwanda Premier League. The Blues went into the game without centre back Aimable Nsabimana who is on striker over unpaid sign on fee dues. They were also dealt to a big blow when their captain Kevin Muhire limped off the pitch after a quarter hour mark into the first half through an injury. After early exchanges, Police FC right-back Shami Carnot went on an overlapping run down the right flank in the fourth minute; he found Chukwuma Odili who whipped in a cross but there was no one to connect as the chance was wasted. Rayon turned defense to attack in the 10th minute as Adama Bagayogo broke loose on the right wing. He found Fall Ngagne who hit a ferocious drive which was saved by goalkeeper Patience Niyongira. He again stood on his ground to save the rebound. Muhire went down injured in the 14th minute following a collision with David Chemezie. He spent close to five minutes outside the field before returning. But he had to be replaced by Hadji Iraguha after the midfielder looked too hurt to continue to game. ALSO READ: Ngagne hits brace as Rayon edge AS Kigali Referee Samuel Uwikunda booked Ngagne in the 30th minute for diving after a soft challenge from Issah Yakubu. The Senegalese striker turned from goal scorer to assist provider as he set up centre back Youssou Diagne connected beautifully from his cross to give Rayon the lead in the 44th minute. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy mood as they began to intensify their chanting. The first half ended with Rayon leading 1-0. Police FC coach Vincent Mashami brought on Didier Mugisha for Muhadjiri Hakizimana who had an evening to forget with little contribution to the game in the first half while Simeon Iradukunda was also introduced for skipper Eric Nsabimana. Police FC players looked lethargic with the exception of Abedi Bigirimana and Christian Ishimwe who could move the ball into the Rayon half. A failed clearance from Yakubu saw the ball hitting Ngagne. The attacker then squared the ball to the right as Bagayogo easily beat his marker before delivering a cross which Shami Carnot bundled into his own net to make it 2-0 for Rayon in the 64th minute. Rayon coach Robertinho Oliveira brought on Aziz Bassane for Bagayogo in the 70th minute as he sought a new dimension on the right wing. Striker Elijah Ani missed another glorious chance that could have seen the law enforcers halve the deficit for Police in the 80th minute, following sloppy defending by the Rayon centre backs. David Chemezie was sent off in the 88th minute following a second bookable offense. He tripped Bassane as the Cameroonian forward was heading towards the goal. The resultant free kick was wasted by Abdul Rahman Rukundo. Rayon held on as they won 2-0, capping off an unbeaten first round campaign. The win saw them retain their eight-point lead at the top. APR FC are second with 28 points although they have played one game less.
