On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Etincelles FC hosted Rayon Sports in the 25th matchday of the Rwanda Premier League 2024-25 season. Rayon Sports entered the game determined to secure a victory and reclaim the top spot after losing it when APR FC beat Rutsiro FC on Saturday.
Before the match started, both teams observed a minute of silence to honor the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Rayon Sports kicked off the game with Biramahire Abeddy passing the ball to Muhire Kevin, who played it to Aziz Bassane Koulagna. Bassane advanced with the ball but was fouled, earning a free kick for Rayon Sports that did not yield a goal.
In the 4th minute, Etincelles came close to scoring from a powerful shot by Niyonkuru Sadjati, but Rayon Sports goalkeeper, Niyongira Patience, made a crucial save. At the 11th minute, Hussein Nsabimana unleashed a strong free kick, but once again, Niyongira Patience showcased his expertise.
In the 12th minute, Rayon Sports had their chance when Biramahire Abeddy fired a shot from a distance, but the ball went over the crossbar. The team maintained relentless pressure, which eventually paid off in the 30th minute when Biramahire Abeddy scored, giving Rayon Sports the lead.
Following the first goal, Rayon Sports continued to push for a second, but Etincelles' defense successfully thwarted their efforts, keeping the score at 1-0 until halftime.
Biramahire Abeddy continues to deliver for Rayon Sports.
Rayon Sports players celebrate Biramahire Abeddy's goal.
The second half started with renewed energy from Rayon Sports. In the 47th minute, Biramahire Abeddy carried the ball forward and passed to Aziz Bassane Koulagna, whose shot hit the crossbar. Etincelles, coached by Seninga Innocent, kept trying to equalize but were consistently denied by Rayon Sports' defense, bolstered by midfielder Ndayishimiye Richald.
In the 61st minute, Rayon Sports made their first substitution, bringing in Iraguha Hadji for Prince Elenga Kanga. Eight minutes later, further substitutions were made, with Kanamugire Roger and Aziz Bassane Koulagna being replaced by Niyonzima Olivier Seith and Adama Bagayogo.
Etincelles continued their attempts to equalize but failed to break through. In the 73rd minute, Muhire Kevin advanced with the ball towards Etincelles' goal, setting up Biramahire Abeddy, who scored his second goal of the match.
After securing the second goal, Rayon Sports intensified their attacks. Players such as Adama Bagayogo, Biramahire Abeddy, and Muhire Kevin made several long-distance attempts but couldn't find the third goal. In the 90th minute, Etincelles managed to pull one goal back through Ismail, putting Rayon Sports under pressure to defend their lead.
The match ended with Rayon Sports claiming a 2-1 victory over Etincelles FC. This win propelled them back to the top of the table with 53 points, just one point ahead of second-placed APR FC. Meanwhile, Etincelles FC remained on 29 points after the loss.
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