A first half brace by Shabani Hussein was all that AS Kigali needed to defeat Etincelles by two goals to nothing in match day 1 of the 2022/23 Rwanda premier league on Friday.The game at the Kigali Stadium started on a scrappy note with no sense of urgency from both sides although AS Kigali pinned Etincelles into their own half.The first chance of the game fell to AS Kigali's Cameroonian striker Man Ykre in the eighth minute but the striker fluffed his effort over the bar.AS Kigali started to lift their game up with some delightful midfield display from Rashid Kalisa and Lawrence Juma.The dominance of the home side yielded dividends in the 32nd minute when goal monger Hussein Shabani soared high above his marker to head home a delightful cross from Rugirayabo Hassan for the opener.Etincelles had the chance to pull even in the 35th minute but Moro Ibrahim's superb strike was saved by goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.Hussein who was tormenting the Etincelles back four made it 2-0 in the 37th minute after being beautifully set up by Kenyan midfielder Lawrence Juma.Chances were few after AS Kigali netted their second goal as the first half came to an end.The second half started brightly with Etincelles looking lively in midfield where skipper Abdul Nshimiyimana was operating.The away side tried to utilize the pace of winger Moro Sumaila and Sajat who were causing incessant problems for the AS Kigali back four with their pace and artistry any time they had the ball.AS Kigali brought on Jacques Tuyisenge for Haruna Niyonzima in the 75th as they sought to pile pressure on Etincelles and prevent them from moving forward.Etincelles had space and pushed men forward in the last six minutes of the game as they hoped for the equalizer but their attackers were profligate and missed chances.They failed to reduce the deficit as the referee blew his whistle for the end of the game.Elsewhere at the Golgotha in Nyagatare, Ugandan midfielder Brian Ssali was the hero of the day as his 5th minute strike helped Sunrise FC to beat Police FC 1-0.In Rusizi, Espoir defeated Marines FC by one goal to nothing. Nigerian forward Emmanuel Ikechukwu scored in the 57th minute. APR will entertain Musanze in an evening kickoff game on Friday whereas on Saturday Bugesera will host Kiyovu, Gasogi against Mukura and Rayon Sports vs Rutsiro.
