Musanze FC put up a spirited performance as they twice came from behind to record a 2-2 draw with Rayon Sports at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, February 9.
The result left the Rwanda Premier League title race wide open, with the Blues’ lead at the top now reduced to just three points after arch rivals APR FC beat Kiyovu SC 2-1 on Saturday, February 8 courtesy of a brace from Ugandan winger Denis Omedi.
Fall Ngagne netted a brace, with skipper Kevin Muhire assisting both goals, but a last-gasp goal from Johnson Adeaga earned the visitors a crucial point from the pulsating draw.
Rayon Sports started the game brightly and had the first chance of the game after just two minutes. Ngagne connected with Hadji Iraguha’s cross but it missed the post by inches.
Iraguha then sent the Blues’ fans on their feet with a stinging 25-yard drive which slightly sailed above the post in the fourth minute.
Musanze FC had their first chance of the game in the 7th minute as Rachid McKelenga was fouled but the resultant free kick from Bertrand Konfor was easily saved by goalkeeper Khadime Ndiaye.
Musanze FC were tactically organised as they defended as a unit. They brought more men at the back when they were defending making it difficult for Robertinho’s men to penetrate.
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Lethabo Methaba was causing problems for the Rayon Sports lateral defenders anytime he had the ball. He went past both Hakim Bugingo and Omborenga Fitina anytime he had the ball with ease.
Rayon decided to opt for long balls in an effort to get to the Musanze vital area. They had a free kick at the edge of the visitors’ penalty box in the 36th minute but Hakim Bugingo&039;s curling effort was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Jean de Dieu Nsabimana.
Ngagne gave Rayon Sports the lead in the 45 5 minute with a powerful header from a Kevin Muhire corner kick.
Moments later, a beautiful back heel pass from Osei Owusu found Methaba, he beat two Rayon players before being brought down by Omar Gning at the edge of the penalty box. Sunday Inemesit fired home a fantastic free kick into the net to make it 1-1.
The first half ended with the scores at 1-1 though Rayon were more aggressive in front of goal.
Robertinho brought on Adama Bagayogo at the start of the second half for Aziz Bassane in order to add more power to his attack.
Rayon brought on new signing Abeddy Biramahire for Iraguha Hadji in the 60th minute. The attacker nearly created a goal with his first touch of the game as his cross was headed over the bar by Ngagne.
Musanze coach Sostene Habimana also replaced Rachid McKelenga for Valentin Bizimana in the 65th minute.
From the 70th minute, Rayon looked lethargic in midfield as they lost ball in dangerous areas. But Musanze could not capitalized on the scoring opportunities.
A superb from Methaba found Bizimana and the striker beat goalkeeper Ndiaye and was fouled. The Rayon goalie also fell down and referee Jean Claude Ishimwe awarded a free kick to the Blues instead of an obvious Musanze penalty. Coach Habimana questioned the referee and was shown a yellow card in the 76th minute for protesting against the decision which he claimed ‘unfair.’
Rayon were very dangerous with their set pieces. Muhire was fouled on the left side of the Musanze FC half. He delivered another pinpoint ball which an unmarked Ngagne headed home in the 80th minute to give the Blues a 2-1 lead.
But Rayon’s celebrations didn’t last long as Musanze FC pulled even late before full time. Substitute Adeaga, who has been introduced in the 87th minute was fouled by Hakim Bugingo in the 89th minute. Felicien Nkurunziza delivered a fine fee kick which Adeaga soared high above his marker to head it into the net to make it 2-2 in the 90th minute.
Both teams pushed for a late winner but the defender were very resolute as the game ended 2-2.
Elsewhere, Etincelles defeated Amagaju 1-0 in a major boost for their relegation escape.
Despite the draw, Rayon are still top of the league table with 37 points, three points clear of second-placed APR FC.