Rayon Sports’ hopes of qualifying for CAF club football next season suffered a major setback after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Gorilla FC on Friday at Kigali Pelé Stadium.

The result guaranteed APR FC a place in next season’s CAF Champions League as the highest-ranked Rwandan club in the BK Pro League, despite losing the league title to Sudanese side Al Hilal. Meanwhile, a victory over AS Muhanga could see Kiyovu overtake Rayon Sports into fourth place.

Rayon Sports head coach Francis Haringingo made several notable changes to his starting XI ahead of the crucial fixture. First-choice goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera missed the game through illness, while key players Elie Ganijuru, Gloire Tambwe and striker Asman Ndikumana started on the bench.

Defender Youssou Diagne was also ruled out through injury.

Ben Aziz Dao, Fabrice Nshimiyimana, Likau Kitoko and Yves Habimana were handed starting roles as Rayon searched for a must-win result to keep their fading title hopes alive.

Despite dominating large portions of the Matchday 32 encounter, Rayon Sports were left frustrated after missing several clear-cut chances against a disciplined Gorilla FC side.

Gorilla FC struck first in the 17th minute through Hesbon Rutonesha, against the run of play. The forward capitalised on one of the visitors’ few attacking opportunities to stun the home crowd and hand Gorilla a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Rayon Sports responded strongly after the break, pinning Gorilla FC deep inside their own half for long periods. However, poor finishing continued to let the hosts down despite creating numerous chances through sustained pressure.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 84th minute when Abed Bigirimana scored the equaliser to rescue a point for the Blues.

The draw ultimately proved costly for Rayon Sports, as it allowed APR FC — now second on 59 points, eight ahead of Rayon with only two matches remaining — to secure their status as the highest-ranked Rwandan team in the league.