PNL: Late goals, Blues' troubles and 5 things that shaped weekend action
Monday, October 16, 2023
Rayon Sports goalkeeper Simon Tamale looks back in the nets as he fails to stop Musanze Fc striker Peter Agblevor's goal during a 0-1 game at Ubworoherane stadium. Photo by Christophe Renzaho

The match day 7 of the Primus National League produced entertaining moments during the weekend of football action that left 13 goals scored in the process.

Etincelles, Amagaju, Muhazi United and Police FC picked away wins while four goals were also scored after the 90th minute mark.

Times Sport brings you five things that stood out in the top flight league over the weekend.

Stoppage time fairytale

The league is in its early stages but it is already following a unique pattern.

Late goals have been on the menu of the day since the league campaign began in August as clubs have been made to wait until the last minute to get the desired result.

At least six goals were scored during the match day 7 round with four of them coming in after the 92nd minute mark.

APR FC striker Victor Mbaoma put Mukura Victory Sports to the sword with a 94th minute finish as the visitors conceded a stoppage time goal to lose the match 1-0 despite dominating the game at Kigali Pele Stadium on Friday.

There was more drama in subsequent games as Abedi Bigirimana popped up with a 94th minute goal that helped Police FC beat AS Kigali 1-0 on the same ground on Sunday.

A similar scenario happened during Sunday's clash between Sunrise and Etincelles clash at Nyagatare Stadium when Ciza Hussein also scored a 93rd minute winner for the visitors. That was right after Yafesi Mubiru missed an 85th minute penalty that would have given the lead for the host.

There was also an incredible spectacle at the Nyamata Stadium when Cedric Mavugo snatched a 93rd minute equalizer to earn a crucial point after inspiring Gorilla FC to a 2-2 draw with Bugesera FC.

The pair were level with a 1-1 draw for the majority of the game. Elijah Ani thought he had secured all three maximum points for Bugesera FC when he scored in the 89th minute to put the home side ahead with a 2-1 but Mavugo ended their hopes for a win with an injury time goal that saw both teams share the spoils.

ALSO READ: Photos: Agblevor sinks Rayon Sports to send Musanze FC top

Blues struggling without Ojera

Joackiam Ojera has been Blues’ live wire since the departure of Leandre Onana to Simba SC in June.

The Ugandan attacker has been in fine form and has been contributing to a big number of the goals that the team scored this season. He provided both assists in match day 6 as Rayon beat Etoile de l'Est 2-1 before he hobbled off injured before the match ended.

Ojera was not able to train with the rest of the team last week and was, as a result, not available for selection for the Musanze FC clash which they lost 1-0.

Rayon struggled at Ubworoherane Stadium as, with Ojera sidelined, they lacked the needed bite in attack.

The forward’s absence was felt in Musanze and Rayon must pray that he gets fit quickly to help the team’s attack tick again.

ALSO READ: Mbaoma breaks Mukura's heart with last minute goal

Mukura need a finisher

Mukura Victory Sports will be a complete team if they are able to get a striker who can pose a threat to opponents.

The Huye-based club dominated APR on Friday and could have won the match had they had a potent striker in their disposal.

The likes of Elie Tatou Iradukunda, Samuel Pimpong and Christophe Bukuru are among Mukura’s fantastic players who created so many chances but they had no prolific attacker to finish them off.

With the January 2024 transfer window fast approaching, Mukura should make a top striker their priority if they are to contend for the Primus National League title.

Bigirimana finally comes to the party

Police FC are reported to have paid over Rwf20 million in signing on fee to win race to sign Abedi Bigirimana.

The 2021/22 Primus National League player of the season had a slow start to life at Police FC as he failed to replicate the form which made him a household name during his time at Kiyovu.

The Burundian struggled against Mukura and APR but he finally came to life against AS Kigali. Bigirimana was superb in offensive midfield as he opened his goal account with a 94th minute winner that ensured three points at for the law enforcers.

Hopefully, he can build on that output and hit the form to justify the amount Police paid to buy him.

Muhazi United finally gets their act together

Despite Rwamagana and Kayonza Districts jointly pledging a combined Rwf450 million sponsorship for Muhazi United, the club has not been convincing since the start of the season.

The club had now a league game until they came back rejuvenated to beat Eastern Province rivals Etoile de l’Est 1-0 on Sunday to secure their first victory of the season through Siaca Conte.

With the latest result, the league newcomers, who are coached by Emmanuel Ruremesha, seem to have finally got their acts together and can excel as the season progresses.