Forward Fiston Ishimwe came from the bench to net the solitary goal in the second half as Rayon Sports pipped Police FC 1-0 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday.

Rayon had to play the final 15 minutes of the game with a man down, but they defended gallantly and held their nerves at the back to record a crucial victory that moved them back to the top of the table.

Police started to pile pressure on Rayon as they pushed for an opening goal early on.

Elijah Ani was fouled at the edge of Rayon penalty box by Richard Ndayishimiye but the resultant ree kick wasted by Christian Ishimwe.

Ishimwe again forced a save from Patient Ndikuriyo in the 25th minute as the Rayon goalkeeper spilled his free kick but Elijah Ani was not fast to pounce on the rebound as the chance was missed.

Abeddy Biramahire could have given Rayon the lead in the 38th minute but his free header from a precised Ally Serumogo cross missed the goal post.

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The first half ended with the scores at 0-0.

Rayon Sports made their first change of the game at the beginning of the second half as Fiston Ishimwe replaced Biramahire who looked so shy in attack in the first half.

There was a downpour which made the ball control so difficult for both clubs.

Police coach Vincent Mashami brought on Richard Kilongozi for Chukwuma Odili in the 60th minute as he sought to beef up his attack.

But it was Rayon who broke the deadlock eight minutes later through substitute Ishimwe in the 68th minute.

The Blues launched a swift counter attack on the right and Rahman Rukundo crossed the ball for an unmarked Ishimwe to head into the net to make it 1-0.

Police FC brought on Fred Muhoozi for Didier Mugisha who looked exhausted.

Rayon were reduced to 10 men as Rukundo was sent off in the 80th minute for a second yellow card as the Blues played the last 10 minutes plus 5 minutes of injury time of the game with ten men.

There was drama in the 90+3 minute as Kilongozi’s shot hit the bar and bounced off the line but no goal was awarded. Kilongozi rushed to the linesman to protest but it was to no avail.

The victory has seen Rayon reclaim top position with 59 points from 27 games, one ahead of second-placed APR who have 58.