Rayon Sports narrowly defeated a ten-man Amagaju FC side 1–0 in a tense Rwanda Premier League (RPL) Matchday 5 encounter held at Kigali Pele Stadium on Friday evening.
Kick-off was at 6:30 p.m., with referee Kayitare David officiating. Before the match, winger Aziz Bassane Koulagna of Rayon Sports was honored as the Player of the Matchday 4, an award sponsored by ePoBoxRwanda. He received a cash prize of 200,000 Rwandan Francs.
Early in the game, at the 7th minute, Tambwe Gloire tried his luck with a long-range shot, but it went just over the bar.
The turning point came in the 21st minute when Bassane was fouled on the left flank by Amagaju defender Rwema Amza, who was immediately shown a straight red card. The decision sparked controversy, as video replays appeared to show minimal contact between the two players.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Amagaju held firm. They even came close to scoring in the 32nd minute when Daniel Uwizeyimana sent a dangerous cross across the face of goal, but no one was there to finish it off. The first half ended goalless, largely thanks to goalkeeper Henock Kama Kamalanduako, who kept Amagaju in the game with several key saves.
Two minutes into the second half, Rayon finally broke the deadlock. Habimana Yves found the back of the net in the 47th minute — his first goal for the Blues since joining from Rutsiro FC — after connecting with a well-placed pass from Ndayishimiye Richard, following a defensive blunder by Abdel Wakonda Matumona.
Coach Haruna Feruzi’s side pressed for a second goal but couldn’t capitalize on their dominance. The match ended 1–0, marking Rayon Sports’ second consecutive league victory.
Ndayishimiye Richard was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.
In another Matchday 5 fixture, Gicumbi FC came from behind to beat Gasogi United 2–1. Kokoete Udo Ibikok opened the scoring for Gasogi in the 2nd minute, but Gicumbi replied through Bitwayiki Clement in the 57th minute, before Rubuguza Jean Pierre sealed the comeback. Gasogi’s Ngono Herve Eloundou Ferdinand Guy was named Man of the Match.
The RPL action continues on Saturday at 3:00 p.m., with Mukura VS hosting AS Kigali at Kamena Stadium, Musanze FC facing Rutsiro FC at Ubworoherane, Etincelles FC welcoming Gorilla FC at Umuganda, Kiyovu Sports clashing with APR FC at Kigali Pele Stadium, and Bugesera FC playing AS Muhanga at Bugesera District Stadium.
The round will conclude on Sunday as Marine FC host Police FC at Umuganda Stadium.