The starting 11 for Rayon Sports included key players: Drissa Kouyate, Serumogo Ally Omar, Musore Prince, Nshimiyimana Emmanuel, Emery Bayisenge, Ndayishimiye Fabrice, Ntarindwa Aimable, Mohamed Chelly, Tambwe Gloire, Rukundo Abdul Rahman, and Tony Kitoga.
Gorilla FC’s lineup featured skilled players: Serge Ntagisanayo, Omar Moussa, Kevin Uwimana, Eric Nduwimana, Akayezu Jean Bosco, Victor Murdan, Masudi Narcisse, Tansele Mosengo, Darcy Irakoze, Franck Nduwimana, and Sally Yipon.
The match got underway with both teams cautiously probing each other, creating occasional chances from set-pieces but failing to convert them. In the 13th minute, Gorilla FC nearly took the lead with a powerful shot by Sally Yipon, which the Rayon Sports goalkeeper brilliantly saved.
Rayon Sports broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Tony Kitoga delivered a pinpoint corner kick. Emery Bayisenge rose above the defenders to expertly head the ball into the net.
After securing the lead, Rayon Sports coach Afhamia Lotfi made strategic substitutions, replacing Mohamed Chelly with Ndayishimiye Richard. Gorilla FC defenders, under pressure, committed several errors, providing Rayon Sports with opportunities to extend their lead. However, chances from Rukundo Abdul Rahman and Tony Kitoga went unconverted.
The second half saw more tactical changes from Rayon Sports, introducing Mugisha Yves, Aziz Bassane, Paul Jesus, and Adama Bagayogo in place of Drissa Kouyate, Tony Kitoga, Rukundo Abdul Rahman, and Musore Prince. Gorilla FC responded by substituting Serge Ntagisanayo for Muhawenayo Gad.
Gorilla FC came close to an equalizer in the 56th minute when Franck Nduwimana connected with a well-placed cross, but Rayon Sports goalkeeper’s quick reflexes pushed the ball out for a corner that bore no fruition. The tension mounted as Gorilla FC's Mosengo Tansele unleashed a powerful strike that rattled the post.
Rayon Sports countered with their own offensive strategies, particularly a thunderous shot by Adama Bagayogo in the 75th minute that required a last-minute save from Muhawenayo Gad to prevent further damage.
The climax of the match came in the 88th minute when Mosengo Tansele received a second yellow card, turning into a red card, and leaving Gorilla FC with 10 players. Despite this setback, the game ended with Rayon Sports claiming a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
This marks Rayon Sports’ second victory in the Rayon Week series, following their success against Gasogi United in Nyanza. The team gears up for their next match on Saturday in Rubavu, where they will lock horns with Etincelles FC at Stade Umuganda.
Rayon Sports celebrates their well-earned 1-0 victory against Gorilla FC
Emery Bayisenge beams with joy after scoring the decisive goal