Espoir FC defeated Marines 1-0 at Umuganda Stadium in a postponed match of day 13. Fiston Ishimwe misses a penalty that would have put Marines level.
In a match of the 13th round of the Rwanda Premier League, which was postponed from January 18, 2022, for the reasons related to covid 19, Marines FC, at their home stadium failed to score for the first time since December 8, 2021, against Mukura VS.
Before this match, Yves Rwasamanzi’s lads were on a winning streak of 4 matches and the team looked so solid at the back with a Chris Rushema and Jean De Dieu Hirwa partnership that kept 3 clean sheets in their last 3 matches.
In the game, Marines should have taken the lead in the 15th minute however, the striker Nzungu Mfitumukiza missed a clear cut chance. a killer through pass from Maestro Fiston Ishimwe.
On the other side, Muhozi who was playing his last game for Espoir tried to use his pace down the wings but he was not clinical as usual. Thus a goalless draw at the break.
At the 69th minute of the game, Yves Habimana netted the only goal of the match to hand the visitors a well-needed victory. He scored 8 minutes after coming on as a substitute for Fred Muhozi.
12 minutes later, Olivier Nshimiyimana was brought down in the box but Marines missed the chance to draw level with a penalty of their own. Fiston Ishimwe saw his spot-kick hit the woodwork. He would have scored his 6th goal of the season.
Today’s win helped Mousa Gatera and Espoir finish the first leg in the top 10 with 7 points clear to the relegation zone. Marines are in the eighth position.
Second leg matches commence on February 12th.
Team Line Ups:
Marines: Jean Luc Tuyizere, Djuma Mutuyimana, Chris Rushema, Jean De Dieu Hirwa, Felicien Hakizimana (C) , Theotime Ntakirutimana, Froduard Mugiraneza, Fiston Ishimwe, Amimu Nahimana, Olivier Nshimiyimana, and Nzungu Mfitumukiza
Espoir FC: Patience Niyongira, Jacques Ahishakiye, Felicien Hakizimana (C), Twagirimana, Philbert Shyaka, Djafar Uwizeye, Peter Valens Iyakaremye, Tresor Ndikumana, Victor Murdah, Fred Muhozi, and Isah Akor Umor
