Bienvenue Mugenzi was the star of the day on Friday, October 20, at Kigali Pele Stadium as he assisted one goal and also scored another in Police FC's 3-1 victory over Kiyovu Sports in a Rwanda Primus National League week 8 encounter.
The game started on a fast tempo as both teams decided to try and pin the other to their own half.
Police FC took control of the midfield as playmaker Muhadjiri Hakizimana made some threatening incursions into the Kiyovu vital area.
The early pressure mounted by Police yielded dividends in the 18th minute. There was an infringement inside the 18 yard box of Kiyovu. The referee whistled for a penalty and Didier Mugisha made no mistake from the spot. He put the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Djihadi Nzeyirwanda for the opener.
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The goal did not break down Kiyovu as they lifted up their game. Yves Mugunga and striking partner Richard Kilongozi proved to be tough customers for the Police FC back four as they caused problems for Samuel Ndizeye, Derrick Ndahiro and others.
Kiyovu opened up the Police defense a couple of times as they looked for the equalizer.
It did finally come in the 30th minute as they had a penalty. Central defender Samuel Ndizeye handled a ball from Richard Kilongozi and the referee pointed to the spot. Djuma Nizeyimana stepped up and neatly buried the ball past goalkeeper Onesime Rukundo to make it 1-1.
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It was an end to end affair as both teams tried to score the second goal before recess.
The Kiyovu defense went to sleep and they were punished by Muhadjiri Hakizimana who netted Police FC's second with a sublime effort on the stroke of half time after being beautifully set up by Bienvenue Mugenzi.
Both teams went to recess with Police leading 2-1.
The second half begun with Police FC firmly on top of their game
They spread the balls mostly to the wings where skipper Dominic Savio Nshuti was lively with his surging runs.
Bienvenue Mugenzi who has been tormenting his former club throughout the game netted Police FC's third in the 61st minute with a superb effort to make it 3-1.
Kiyovu coach Petros Koukouras decided to adapt a new strategy as his players sat deep to defend and tried to catch Police FC on the break.
Police FC coach Vincent Mashami also brought on Djibrine Aboubakar Akuki for Didier Mugisha and Eric Niyonsaba for Muhadjiri Hakizimana as he decided to let his charges hold on to the ball in order to draw the Kiyovu players out of their shells.
He later brought Moro Sumaila and Hesbon Rutonesha for Bienvenue Mugenzi and skipper Dominic Savio Nshuti in the final four minutes of the game as Police FC held on to the impressive 3-1 win.