Rayon Sports take a vital step toward the table leaders by earning a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Etincelles at Umuganda Stadium thanks to goals from Manasse Mutatu and Dominic’s own goal. The blues’ first win in 2022.
It was in the Rwanda Premier League Matchday 13 held on January 19, 2022, at Umuganda stadium highlighted by very strict covid-19 measures largely due to the yesterday postponed game between Marines and Espoir FC where the info said that the majority of players in Espoir’s squad tested positive for covid-19.
Before the game, the visitors, Rayon sports were lagging in fifth place with 20 points while the guest was at the bottom of the league with 8 points.
26 minutes after the kickoff, Rayon Sports veteran defender, Karim Nizigiyimana got sent off as he denied a goal-scoring opportunity for Etincelles by a high tackle. He was the last defender
Etincelles failed to capitalize from numerical advantage until the 39th minute when the Congolese forward scored an absolute thunderbolt from long range to hand the visitors a lead. One nill at half-time.
In the break, Rayon Sports interim coach, Marcel Lomami made a defensive substitution, with Francois Mugisha replacing Mohamed Nshimiyimana. Francois to partner Clement Niyigena at centre back and Hussein to take the right back.
A minute after the break, Olivier Kwizera kept the blues in the game with a brilliant save for Etincelles’ Ciza Hussein Mugabo.
Things got worst for Rubavu based club in 62nd minute when Ibuti Hadji Bizimana, the son of Etincelles’ head coach, Mr Abdoul Bizimana had to be sent off from the game which simplified the task for Rayon Sports who were playing to consolidate the score.
In additional time, Etincelles’ GK, Dominic Nsengimana failed to deal with Kevin Muhire’s cross and end up deflecting the ball in the back of his net. Full time Etincelles 0-2 Rayon Sports
The win against relegation-threatened Etincelles lifts the blues up to 4th in the table with their next assignment against Marines FC at Kigali Stadium.
Team Line Ups:
Etincelles XI: Dominic Nsengimana, Rodrigue Murengezi (C), Omar Bizimungu, Christophe Uwiringiyimana, Moses Kanamugire, Ibuti Hadji Bizimana, jean Berkimas, Ciza Hussein Mugabo, Jean Bosco Akayezu, Isaac Muganza, and Rachid Mutebi
Rayon Sports XI: Olivier Kwizera, Karim Nizigiyimana, Hussein Habimana, Clement Niyigena, Jean Marie Vianney Muvandimwe, Blaise Nishimwe, Mohamed Mushimiyimana, Kevin Muhire (C), Essomba Willy Onana, Manasse Mutatu, and Prince Rudasingwa
