The Senegalese defender Youssou Diagne broke the deadlock in the Rwanda Premier League (RPL) matchday 14 against Police FC and stood firm in defense to help his side, Rayon Sports, secure their 11th clean sheet in 14 matches.
Rayon Sports defeated Police FC 2-0 on Saturday, January 5, in a rescheduled RPL matchday 14, continuing the strong form they finished 2024 with.
Gikundiro, with four Senegalese players in the starting lineup, shone from the beginning, and goal machine Fall Ngagne nearly won a penalty. However, referee Samuel Uwikunda booked him for diving.
Rayon Sports skipper and assist leader, Kevin Muhire, suffered an early injury and was replaced by Hadji Iraguha, allowing Fiston Ishimwe to take over the flank for the rest of the match.
Youssou Diagne opened the scoring in the dying minutes of the first half, thanks to a courtesy pass from his Senegalese compatriot Fall Ngagne.
The second half saw Police coach Vincent Mashami shake up his lineup, bringing on Didier Mugisha and Simeon Iradukunda for Muhadjiri Hakizimana and captain Eric Nsabimana. However, their efforts to connect with Ani Elijah fell short as the Senegalese defense, led by Youssou Diagne and Omar Gning, remained firm.
In the 63rd minute, a drive from Malian wonderkid Adama Bagayoko in the box forced Carnot Shami to score an own goal, doubling Rayon Sports’ lead.
Police FC continued to pressure the Blues, but a fast-paced Rayon Sports winger, Aziz Bassane, outpaced Carnot Shami in a one-on-one situation. Shami, with limited options, fouled Bassane, resulting in a second yellow card and his subsequent red card.
The 2-0 result at full time saw Youssou Diagne’s Rayon Sports register their 11th clean sheet in 14 matches. Robertinho’s coached team now has 36 points from 11 wins in 14 matches.
Rayon Sports boasts the best attack in the league with 24 goals while conceding the fewest (4). Senegalese attacker Fall Ngagne leads the scoring chart with 8 goals, while Youssou Diagne’s defense not only has the most clean sheets but also the fewest goals conceded.
Rayon Sports’ impressive statistics keep them at the top of the standings, 8 points clear of second-placed APR FC.
Umwaka wa 2025 ni uku tuwutangiye. #RwandaPremierLeague #RPL pic.twitter.com/x6vnNAVSkL
— Rwanda Premier League (@RwandaLeague) January 4, 2025
Youssou Diagne and Rayon Sports will return to the pitch on January 11, away to Mukura in the Huye district.
