Nibagwire, Mukeshimana on target as Rayon women overcome AS Kigali
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Rayon Sports WFC players celebrate during a 2-1 league match against AS Kigali at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday, January 13. Courtesy

Rayon Sports WFC proved their title credentials as Saturday’s hard fought 2-1 win over AS Kigali at Kigali Pele Stadium propelled them to the summit of the FERWAFA Women’s First Division League table.

Goals from forward Libellée Nibagwire and midfielder Dorothée Mukeshimana were enough to end AS Kigali’s 12-game unbeaten run this season as Janet Ukwinkunda consolation goal couldn’t help the reigning champions avoid a slip up.

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Nibagwire, who was making her second appearance for the Blues since joining from AS Kigali in December 2023, opened the scoring in the eighth minute as she perfectly connected to Mukeshimana’s cross to put her side ahead.

The Blues dominated the majority of the first half but AS Kigali remained resilient until both teams headed into halftime.

The second half saw Rayon maintain their momentum where former AS Kigali duo Alodie Kayitesi and Mukeshimana combined to pose a major threat against their former side.

In the 55th minute, Mukeshimana&039;s impressively dribbled past AS Kigali defenders who had no other option but to bring her down in the penalty box.

She was awarded a penalty but, unfortunately, goalkeeper Angelique Ndakimana saved it to send it in the corner.

However, just three minutes later, Mukeshimana redeemed herself with a powerful rebound shot to double Rayon’s lead.

AS Kigali managed to reorganise to dominate ball possession and their effort paid dividends when Janet Ukwinkunda pulled one back in the 76th minute.

The Citizens kept pushing for an equalizer, but Rayon overcame their threat and held on to win the encounter.

With this crucial victory, the Blues now sit top of the table with 37 points, three points clear of defending champions AS Kigali.