On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Bugesera FC hosted Rayon Sports in a high-stakes showdown during the 28th matchday of the Rwanda Premier League 2024-25 season. The match drew enormous anticipation as both teams entered the field determined to secure a critical win.
Rayon Sports went into the game acutely aware that even a single mistake could derail their championship aspirations. Meanwhile, Bugesera FC fought to retain their top-flight status, battling to avoid relegation alongside Vision FC in the closely contested league.
The tension was amplified further by key absences in the Rayon Sports lineup. Star midfielder Aziz Bassane Koulagna was sidelined due to suspension after accumulating three yellow cards, while defender Rukundo Abdulahaman missed the game following a red card in their match against Police FC.
Action began intensely, with Rayon Sports immediately on the offensive. In the second minute, Adama Bagayogo unleashed a thunderous shot, but Bugesera's goalkeeper Gakwaya Leonald made an incredible save. Four minutes in, Biramahire Abeddy thought he'd put Rayon Sports ahead, but his goal was disallowed due to an alleged foul, fueling early frustration.
Bugesera FC struck first in the 13th minute. Omar Abba orchestrated an impressive counterattack, combining skillfully with Ssentongo Farouk Ruhinda. Taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Rayon Sports, Ssentongo netted the game’s opening goal, putting Bugesera in the lead.
Bugesera nearly doubled their advantage in the 26th minute after Bugingo Hakim’s error allowed a dangerous link-up between Abba and Ssentongo. However, Rayon defender Murire Kevin intervened with a crucial tackle to deny the hosts.
Controversy ignited in the 31st minute when Rayon Sports’ Ndayishimiye Richald appeared to be fouled in a position worthy of a free kick. Yet, the referee dismissed the claims, sparking outrage among Rayon supporters in the Bugesera Stadium. The fans began suspecting referee bias, a narrative that persisted throughout the game.
In the 35th minute, Rayon’s Adama Bagayogo went down injured, requesting medical attention, but was ignored by the officials. In a stark contrast, just two minutes later, Bugesera’s Bala Yakuru received immediate medical attention for a similar incident. This disparity further inflamed tensions on the field and among fans.
Frustration among Rayon Sports players boiled over. In the 41st minute, Bugingo Hakim committed a dangerous foul on Isingizwe Rodrigue, earning himself a yellow card. Still, the visitors pushed forward through multiple attempts by Ishimwe Fiston and Adama Bagayogo, but Bugesera's goalkeeper, Habineza Fils, stood firm. The first half ended with Bugesera leading against a deflated Rayon Sports.
The second half began with renewed determination from Rayon Sports, intent on securing an equalizer. Drama unfolded in the 48th minute when Biramahire Abeddy appeared to be fouled in Bugesera’s penalty area. The referee, however, declined to award a penalty, further inciting Rayon Sports supporters.
Moments later, Bugesera’s Gakwaya Leonald earned his team a penalty after being fouled. This decision triggered chaos as Bugesera players debated leaving the pitch, and fans erupted in anger. Some supporters from Rayon Sports loudly chanted, “Leave the pitch, leave the pitch!”
Tensions ran high during the Rayon Sports vs Bugesera FC match after Abba Omar scored a penalty, a moment that immediately triggered a violent reaction from fans. Enraged supporters began throwing stones onto the pitch, forcing the game to be suspended before the final whistle.
The incident occurred amid claims of biased officiating, with Rayon Sports fans expressing frustration over what they described as unfair decisions by the referees.
Speaking to InyaRwanda, a close follower of Rwandan football and a Rayon Sports supporter — who asked to remain anonymous — said the match was yet another example of what many have come to view as “the ongoing drama in Rwandan football.” He claimed that match officials had openly disadvantaged Rayon Sports, leading to the chaotic scenes that brought the game to a halt.
Rayon Sports had reportedly anticipated possible problems with officiating and had formally written to FERWAFA, the Rwandan football federation, prior to the match. In their letter, the club urged the federation to exercise caution when assigning referees for such decisive fixtures.
“This match falls under the final phase of the league (split final), with only three games remaining to determine the 2024–2025 champions and relegated teams. Each match is crucial and could influence the final standings. We therefore ask that referees be appointed with the utmost care and consideration,” the letter stated.
Rayon Sports went on to recommend that only FIFA-certified referees — with proven experience and the trust of both sides — be selected for high-stakes matches. The club cited the case of Vision FC, which previously reported unfair officiating in two matches and successfully requested that certain referees not be assigned to their games again.
In conclusion, the club appealed to FERWAFA to follow the lead of other football federations: “Mr. Secretary General, in the spirit of good sports governance and in order to preserve the integrity of our league, we ask FERWAFA to emulate the practices of CAF and other international bodies, which assign experienced referees to important matches. This enhances confidence in fair play among players, fans, and clubs.”
