The match unfolded on Friday at 3:30 PM at Nyanza Stadium, located in Rwanda's Nyanza District.
The starting lineup for Rayon Sports featured: Ndikuriyo Patient, Emery Bayisenge, Ndayishimiye Fabrice, Serumogo Ally, Musore Prince, Nshimiyimana Emmanuel ‘Kabange,’ Musore Prince, Niyonzima Olivier Sefu, Ndayishimiye Richard, Bigirimana Abedi, Harerimana Abdoulaziz, and Chadrack Bing Bello.
Gasogi United's starting 11 comprised: Ndagijimana Leandre, Wafura Innocent, Muhindo Collin, Hakizimana Adolphe, Iyabivuze Fabrice, Junior Lussagy, Niyonkuru Elissa, Enock Sabumukanda, Bizimana Didier, Hamiss Hakim, and Ndikumana Danny.
Rayon Sports began aggressively, exerting significant pressure on Gasogi United’s defense. Early in the game, Niyonzima Olivier Sefu came close to scoring, heading a perfectly executed free kick just over the crossbar.
Gasogi United sought counter-attacks, utilizing their dynamic left wing led by Danny Ndimukumana, but Rayon Sports defenders held firm and denied them any opportunities.
At the 23rd minute mark, Harerimana Abdulaziz unleashed a powerful strike that narrowly missed the target, adding pressure to Gasogi United’s defense.
Rayon Sports dominated the offensive play further, though Serumogo Ally Omar faced challenges due to the field conditions. In the 43rd minute, Gasogi United’s Bizimana Didier almost equalized with a thunderous shot, but Rayon’s goalkeeper Ndikuriyo Patient made a crucial save to keep the score intact.
Just before halftime, Rayon Sports finally broke the deadlock. Bigirimana Abedi capitalized on a finely delivered pass, scoring with a header and giving his team a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw tactical substitutions from Rayon Sports coach Afhamia Lotfi, introducing Tambwe Gloire and Paul Jesus to replace Bigirimana Abedi and Musore Prince.
Most of the second half was a midfield battle. Serumogo Ally nearly found the net again in a promising opportunity in front of Gasogi’s goal but failed to convert.
Rayon Sports extended their lead in the 68th minute when substitute Mohamed Chelli netted the team’s second goal. Gasogi United created their own chances as Niyongabo Gedeon unleashed a shot that narrowly missed, reflecting their hunger to score.
The match concluded with Rayon Sports sealing a 2-0 win, marking a victorious start to Rayon Week. Next, the team will head to Ngoma to compete against Gorilla FC while showcasing their characteristic blue-and-white jerseys.
Rayon Sports triumphantly secured a 2-0 win against Gasogi United in an engaging contest at Nyanza Stadium.