Rayon Sports secured a crucial 2-1 victory over AS Kigali on Saturday evening at Kigali Pele Stadium, strengthening their grip at the top of the Rwanda Premier League table and opening a four-point gap ahead of rivals APR FC.
The match, part of Matchday 21 fixtures, came just a day after APR FC dropped two valuable points in a goalless draw against Gasogi United. That result gave Rayon Sports extra motivation heading into the fixture, although they were the first to concede.
In the 26th minute, AS Kigali’s forward Emmanuel Okwi capitalized on a defensive error by Bugingo Hakim, lobbing the ball over goalkeeper Khadime Ndiaye to give the City side a 1-0 lead. The goal stood as the only difference at halftime.
Rayon Sports responded strongly in the second half with tactical changes. The local Blue’s made bold substitutions, bringing in Kanamugire Roger and Aziz Bassane for Souleymane Daffe and Rukundo Abdul Rahman—changes that quickly paid off.
AS Kigali also shuffled their squad, replacing Ndayishimiye Didier with Nshimirimana Jospin and later substituting an injured Emmanuel Okwi with Nshimiyimana Tharcisse. Veteran midfielder Haruna Niyonzima was also replaced by Ntirushwa Aimé.
However, the changes did not favor AS Kigali. In the 63rd minute, Kanamugire equalized for Rayon Sports with a powerful header from a corner kick.
Ten minutes later, Biramahire Abeddy scored the winner for the Blues, lobbing goalkeeper Pascal Niyonkuru after receiving a clever through ball. Celebrating the goal, Biramahire held a finger to his lips—silencing critics who had questioned his recent form.
Despite five added minutes, AS Kigali couldn’t find a way back. The final whistle confirmed Rayon Sports’ second win in their last six league matches, and a vital three points in their title challenge.
With this result, Rayon Sports now sits at the top with 46 points, four ahead of second-placed APR FC (42 points).
Other Matchday Results:
Amagaju FC defeated Marine FC 2-1 in Rubavu.
Musanze FC outclassed Kiyovu Sports 3-0.
Bugesera FC lost 0-1 at home to Police FC.
The match between Mukura VS and Rutsiro FC was postponed due to heavy rainfall in Huye.
The league will resume at the end of March following the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (Matchday 5 and 6).
