Mukura Victory Sports put up a sterling performance as they beat league leaders Rayon Sports 2-1 at Huye Stadium on Saturday, January 11. Two first half goals from Jordan Nzau Dimbumba and Fred Niyonizeye in the space of three minutes helped the Huye-based side end the Blues’ 14-match unbeaten run to an end as Fall Ngagne’s consolation goal in the second half wasn’t enough to salvage a point for the visitors. The game started on a slow pace and it was Rayon who had the first chance after just one minute into action but Ngagne bumped into goalkeeper Nicholas Sebwato as he thwarted the chance that could have handed his side the lead. As the game progressed, both teams brought urgency in their play as they started pressing into each other's penalty areas. Mukura had their first chance of the game in the 13th minute as Zuberi Hakizimana latched onto a pass from Niyonizeye but he saw his strike from the left missing the target by inches. Agyenim Boateng broke loose on the right side of attack and beat two Rayon Sports players in the 20th minute. He was tripped down only for referee Moise Mulindangabo to wave play on. Ngagne looked so lost in the game as he found Mukura centre back Abdul Jalilu a tough customer to deal with. Adama Bagayogo found space in Mukura’s 18-yard box but had his effort saved by Sebwato before Abdul Jalilu cleared the danger in the 26th minute. Mukura broke the deadlock in the 39th minute through Dimbumba. Zuberi Hakizimana easily dispatched Ali Serumogo before his strike hit Omar Gning. The rebound fell to Dimbumba who powered home a superb volley to the top corner of the net to make it 1-0. Mukura began pressing Rayon with long balls as they pushed to extend the lead. And their efforts paid dividends as Niyonizeye scored the second goal in the 42nd minute as Lofti Afahmia’s side took a 2-0 lead at the break. Rayon coach Robertinho made three substitutions before the second half started, bringing in Olivier Niyonzima, Kevin Muhire and Aziz Bassane for Richard Ndayishimiye, Fiston Ishimwe and Hadji Iraguha respectively as he sought get more men behind the ball. The duo changed the phase of the game as Rayon began to dominate Mukura from the midfield. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Mukura VS acquire Ghanaian striker Boateng Blues fitness coach Andre Mazimpaka was shown a red card in the 47th minute after an altercation with the assistant referee. Rayon were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute after Chris Rushema pushed Aziz Bassane. Ngagne stepped up and easily sent Sebwato the wrong way to make it 2-1. Mukura made two changes in the 55th minute as they brought on left back Jean Marie Vianney Muvandimwe for Hakizimana who suffered a knock while Bonheur Sunzu replaced Emmanuel Nsabimana. They were, however, tactical as they not only kept more men at the back but also forced Rayon to give away the ball away on several occasions. Boateng easily went past Gning in the 62nd minute before hitting a ferocious drive inside the penalty box which missed the target by inches. Robertinho again brought on Abdul Rahman Rukundo for Adama Bagayogo and Aimable Nsabimana for Elie Ganijuru. Dimbumba went down twice and came back to the field after receiving treatment. He had to be replaced by Aimable Ntarindwa later in the 85th minute as he couldn’t continue to play. There was seven minutes of additional time after 90 minutes of action had elapsed. Rayon pushed for the equalizer but Mukura held on to end their unbeaten run. Despite the defeat, Rayon still finish the first round of the league leading the table with 36 points, four points clear of APR FC who play Amagaju FC on Sunday, January 12 at Huye Stadium.
