Rayon Sports drew 1-1 with Libyan side Al-Hilal Benghaz in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup’s second qualifying round.
The match was staged behind closed doors at Kigali Pele Stadium considering Al Hilal, the host team, decided to host Rayon Sports with no supporters inside the stadium since they were grieving the victims of the recent calamities that devastated Libya.
This match was initially scheduled for September 15, and Rayon Sports had already landed in Benghaz, however owing to the circumstances in Libya, the teams and CAF agreed that the first and second legs should be held in Kigali. hence, Al Hilal Benghaz hosted this Saturday’s encounter.
The match kickoff delayed for 19 minutes as the Libyans claimed Rayon Sports had surpassed the number of permitted spectators. However, the match started after discussions between the teams, match commissioner, and local governing body for Football.
Following a goalless first half, Hertier Nzinga Luvumbu scored from the spot in the 53rd minute to give Rayon Sports the lead after an Al Hilal defender handled the ball in the box.
Six minutes before the end of the regular time, Ezzedin Elmarmi brought Al Hilal level as they continue to put pressure on Rayon Sports. But it ended with a 1-1 tie, thus, the second leg will determine who goes through.
Rayon Sports will host the second leg at the same venue next Saturday, September 30, and the presence of Gikundiro fans will be felt this time. Should they get pass the Libyans, Rayon Sports will make it to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage for the second time.
Rayon Sports became Rwanda’s first team to reach the CAF Confederation group stage in 2018. They went on to reach the quarterfinals in the same edition.
This is how both teams lined up today.
Rayon Sports XI: Adolphe Hakizimana, Ali Serumogo, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Elie Ishimwe Ganijuru, Aruna Mussa Madjaliwa, Hertier Nzinga Luvumbu, Emmanuel Mvuyekure, Isaac Mitima, Rachid Kalisa, Ojera Joackiam, and Musa Esenu
Al Hilal Benghaz XI: Khaleid Almsmari, Bashier Alkarami, Mohammed Abdullah, Jaeffar Adrees, Osamah Alshareef, Aboubakar Meelad, Faisal Saleh, Eze Kevin, Ezzedin Elmarmi, Ahmed Ramadhan, Abdulsalam Muftah
