Struggling Kiyovu held by Gasogi
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Gasogi United player with the ball during a 1-1 draw league match against SC Kiyovu at Kigali Pele Stadium on September 15. Courtesy

Kiyovu Sports' abysmal performance in the 2023/24 Rwanda Premier League continued on Friday, September 15, as they were held by Gasogi United to a 1-1 draw at Kigali Pele Stadium.

The Week 4 fixture was an exciting one as both clubs went all out from the blast of the whistle.

Gasogi looked more threatening upfront with their attacking trio of Theodor Malipangou, Maxwell Djoumekou and Rugangazi Prosper proving dangerous anytime they had the ball.

They were able to keep Ndizeye Eric and Iradukunda Eric at the back of the Kiyovu defense very busy with their attacking football.

The Green Baggies also relied on the artistry of playmaker Fred Muhozi who tried on numerous times to open up the Gasogi defense.

Djoumekou had a host of chances in the first half but the Kiyovu back four were very resolute as they thwarted all his efforts.

The first half came to an end with the scores goalless.

The second half saw Kiyovu lifting up their game with striker Yves Mugunga doing more runnings as he found spaces in the Gasogi penalty box and explored it to great effects.

The deadlock was finally broken by Yves Mugunga in the 55th minute as he fired Kiyovu ahead with a fantastic finish.

With the game at 1-0 for Kiyovu, Mugunga was left upfront as the lone ranger with Muhozi playing behind him.

Gasogi decided to soak the pressure and rely on counters as they benefited from the pace of Malipangou and Akbar Muderi.

Gasogi United's resilience paid off in the 64th minute. They had a penalty following an infringement in the Kiyovu 18-yard box. Malipangou stepped up and beautifully dispatched it to make the scores 1-1.

Both teams decided to hold on to the ball with all the action centred in midfield.

The final 15 minutes of the game saw both teams defending gallantly until the referee blew his whistle for the end.

Kiyovu have won one game, lost two, and drawn one. They have four points whilst Gasogi have also drawn two, won one, and lost one, and have five points.