PNL: Five things we learnt from matchday 21
Monday, February 19, 2024
Rayon Sports skipper Kevin Muhire (L) came from the bench to score an 89th minute winner against Etoile de l'Est on Sunday, February 18-courtesy

The Primus National League weekend action produced intriguing results despite recording only 13 goals across all 10 venues.

Four matches of the weekend ended in draws of which three were goalless.

Times Sport brings you five talking points from matchday 21.

Muhire rises to the occasion again

Kevin Muhire is familiar with taking the lead whenever Rayon Sports need him most. He has on different occasions proven that leadership is naturally in his DNA.

Since his return from Kuwait, the talented midfielder has scored some decisive goals that earned Rayon Sports important results.

Muhire was handed the captain's armband after Abdul Rwatubyaye left for Shkupi in Macedonia. He started on the bench but, when Julien Mette introduced him late in the second half, he stepped up and scored an 89th minute last grasp winner against relegation-bound Etoile de l'Est.

Rayon had struggled to find the back of the net throughout the game until Muhire came on the rescue the Blues to keep their title hopes alive.

Bugesera FC becoming a tough nut for APR

League leaders APR FC have failed to beat relegation-threatened Bugesera FC during their past two meetings this season.

Having settled for a 1-1 draw in the first round in Kigali in October 2023, Bugesera again held APR FC to a goalless draw in Nyamata on Sunday, February 18.

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Francis Haringingo may be struggling to survive relegation but they have put up some wonderful performances against a number of big teams. They beat Kiyovu 4-0 in September 2023 and Police 4-2 IN December and have drawn against APR over two legs.

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Mukura looking deadly with in-form Pimpong

The tricky winger has been on fire on his debut season in the Primus National League, scoring four goals and providing four assists so far.

He netted two sublime goals against Sunrise FC at Nyagatare Stadium as Mukura won 4-2.

Whenever Pimpong is in his prime, Mukura look very dangerous and he has been outstanding for the team.

Police stumbling second round exposes Mashami

Police FC are still without a win during their last six games in the second round of the league. The have collected only two points in a possible 18.

From challenging APR in the title race, Police have now dropped to fifth position on the table with 33 points, 13 points off the top.

The law enforcers have had an abysmal performance against Muhazi United at Ngoma Stadium on Sunday, February 18 as the game ended goalless.

Vincent Mashami’s future at Police FC is obviously under serious threat.

Froger in dilemma following Mbaoma's return

Thierry Froger introduced Victor Mbaoma in the second half against Bugesera FC as the Nigerian brought his injury hell to an end.

In his absence, Froger used Sudan international Sharaf Eldin Shaiboub as an improvised striker and he did a great job by netting some crucial goals.

Shaiboub, a natural central midfielder, seems to be enjoying the striking role as he has been doing well up front when Mbaoma was on the sidelines. It would be interesting to see whether the French coach will move him back to midfield since his star striker is back.