Charles Bbaale’s deflected second-half goal against Gasogi United was enough for Rayon Sports to claim their first three points of the 2024 Rwanda Premier League.
September 21 will go down in history as the day Gasogi United became the first Rwanda Premier League team to host a match at the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium.
Despite hosting at 45,000-seat capacity, Gasogi United suffered their first loss of the season after starting with two wins and a draw in their first three matches. They fell to Rayon Sports, who were still searching for the first win in the campaign.
Ugandan forward Charles Bbaale scored just minutes into the second half, giving Rayon Sports a lead in a match where they hadn’t truly dominated. Bbaale’s goal came in the 50th minute from a cross by Hadji Iraguha.
Bbaale controlled the ball, struck with his left foot, and Adolphe Hakizimana deflected the shot, preventing goalkeeper Dauda from reacting.
Gasogi’s chances of equalizing were further hindered when skipper Akbar Mudeli was sent off at a critical moment when the team needed full commitment from all players. The Burundian international’s open boot on Aruna Musa Madjaliwa left the referee, Samuel Uwikunda, with no choice but to issue a straight red card. Consequently, Bbaale’s lone goal decided the match.
This goal marked Bbaale’s first of the season and ended Rayon’s string of draws, making it the first league goal scored at the newly modernized Amahoro Stadium.
With this victory, Rayon Sports improved their rocky start to the season, now sitting on 5 points from three matches. Gasogi United has 7 points from four matches.
Rayon Sports will next travel to Rubavu to face the on-form Rutsiro team, while Gasogi will head to Bugesera for their upcoming match.
