Ten-man Rayon sink Mukura to go second

A first minute strike from Djamal Mwiseneza helped ten-man Rayon Sports to a well deserved 1-0 win over Mukura in a Turbo King Football League encounter at the Amahoro stadium on Sunday.In Rubavu, APR were held 0-0 by hosts Etincelles. Mwiseneza, a Rwanda international midfielder, put Didier Gomes da Rosa’s defending champions in front with a speculative long range effort which flew past Mukura goalie Regis Shyaka. The goal is the quickest of the season so far. Missing key strikers Kambale Salita, Samson Jakesh and suspended skipper Fuadi Ndayisenga, the Frenchman kept faith in the same squad that beat Espoir 2-1 last Wednesday.His opposite number, Cedric Kaze, also made no changes to the team that lost 1-0 to APR with hope for a better show. Rayon Sports, though they were also looking dangerous especially down the wings, Meddie Kagere probably should’ve done better from close range in the 9th minute.Amiss Cedric was unable to direct his attempt past Shyaka as they pressed harder for a second goal. Kagere forced a good save from Mukura’s keeper, when he pounced on an Amissi set piece ten minutes later. Again, the striker found himself in a pocket of space before firing, but the loose ball hit the post. Claude Nahimana should’ve given Mukura the equaliser in the 30th minute. Hussein Kiiza picked out an unmarked Nahimana inside the area, but the striker could only manage to direct his subsequent shot over the crossbar from close range.Rayon Sports were good value for their lead at the break with Mukura probably a bit unfortunate not to have been able to level matters.Mukura came back recharged after the interval and nearly found the back of the net two minutes into the second period.Nahimana’s ball found an unmarked Kiiza at the far post, the striker tried to step past Jean Luc Ndayishimiye, but the shot stopper denied him with a trailing leg.Sulaiman Mudeyi, who replaced injured Ildebrand Nshuti injected new life into Mukura but luck was simply not on their side. The blues would then be reduced to ten men when Robert Ndatimana received a second yellow card for intentional handball off Kiiza’s challenge, forcing referee Gervais Munyanziza.Mukura pressed harder for an equaliser and Yossa Bertrand had an opportunity to score on 80th minute but he was denied by impressive Ndayishimiye.The win for Rayon Sports moves them up to second place on the table standings with 18 points, while Mukura remain ninth with nine points after seven games each. Earlier, on Saturday, AS Kigali maintained their grip at the top of the table with 18 points after demolishing Police FC 3-0, while Amagaju remain rooted bottom of the table with two points.