Rayon Sports went head-to-head with Vision FC on matchday 29 of Rwanda’s Premier League 2024-25 season, in an intense game that had major implications for the championship leaderboard.
The atmosphere was subdued as Rayon Sports were serving a fan ban imposed after a controversial incident where supporters threw stones onto the pitch during their loss against Bugesera FC, a match played over two disjointed days.
With their home advantage diminished, Rayon Sports struggled to dominate as both sides matched each other's intensity. Early in the 7th minute, Elenga Kanga charged forward towards Vision FC’s goal but was fouled, earning a free kick. A promising strike delivered by Kevin was expertly stopped by Lutaaya Michael, Vision FC’s alert goalkeeper.
Vision FC, determined to make a statement despite their potential relegation threat, maintained pressure throughout. Rugangazi Prosper almost snatched the lead in the 37th minute, carrying the ball into Rayon Sports’ penalty area only for his shot to hit the outer part of the net, artfully deceiving the crowd into thinking a goal had been scored.
Rayon Sports fought back valiantly, with Muhire Kevin attempting two well-placed free kicks, but Lutaaya Michael remained unbeatable. In the 44th minute, Prince Elenga Kanga managed to break through Vision FC’s defense and put the ball into the net; however, the goal was flagged offside, ensuring the first half concluded with no score.
The second half brought tactical revamps for Rayon Sports. Souleymane Daffe and Prince Elenga Kanga were substituted for Biramahire Abeddy and Richald Ndayishimiye. Despite these changes, Rayon Sports failed to convert chances, with Abeddy’s shot in the 50th minute flying high over the crossbar.
Five minutes later, Rayon Sports brought Assana Nah Innocent into play, replacing Rukundo Abdallah to bolster their offensive strategies. Elie Kategaya’s individual effort in the 62nd minute resulted in a corner kick rather than the opener Rayon Sports needed. Zabio Pascal’s delivery from the corner met Mussa Esenu, whose header went wide of the target.
Vision FC refused to relent, introducing Kwizera Pierrot and Radjab in the 67th minute to strengthen their attacking arsenal. Kwizera Pierrot demonstrated his skill shortly after by delivering a pinpoint free kick in the 69th minute, only for Rayon Sports goalkeeper Ndikuriyo Patience to showcase remarkable reflexes, denying Vision FC the lead.
The match’s defining drama came in the 82nd minute when Vision FC’s goalkeeper Lutaaya Michael received a red card for deliberately handling the ball outside the penalty area to prevent a potential goal from Rayon Sports’ Abeddy. The team scrambled to reorganize, with Ally Muhamudi Mugisha stepping in as the replacement goalkeeper.
Despite the intensity, the match ended in a goalless draw—leaving Rayon Sports to settle at 60 points, short of the 64 points earned by their rivals APR FC, who secured the championship title.
