Forward Muhajiiri Hakizimana was on the scoresheet on his Rwanda Premier League return as Police survived a scare after beating Gorilla FC 3-2 in a five-goal thriller during a highly-competitive match day 16 game held Friday, January 20, at Bugesera Stadium.
The Rwanda international signed on a six-month deal after he failed to agree on a new deal with Al-Kholood FC in Saudi Arabia.
Hakizimana, who was torn in the flesh of the Gorilla FC defense, opened his goal account on his second spell as he converted a penalty in the 17th minute to give Police FC the lead following an infringement in the 18-yard box.
Didier Mugisha doubled the lead in the 37th minute as he connected beautifully inside the box after a swift attack from the right before both teams headed into the half time.
Police were in total control in the second half as Gorilla’s striking force led by Johnson Adeaga pushed to pull one back but failed to get access to the ball.
After the break, Police FC made it 3-0 in the 50th minute through Ntwali Evode who hit a screamer from 30 yards.
Mashami’s men thought they were guaranteed to grab but Gorilla kept believing for a comeback after Adeaga scored from the spot in the 77th minute after Eric Rutanga fouled him in the penalty box.
Mercy Duru Ikenna, who was lively at the right side of defense, sent a superb ball into the penalty box which was beautifully controlled by Johnson Adeaga. The striker then set it into the path of Simeon Iradukunda who hit a ferocious effort into the roof of the net in the 86th minute to make it 3-2.
Both teams held their might in the final minutes of the game as the encounter ended 3-2 in favor of Police FC.
In the other game of the day, Kiyovu FC and Gasogi United settled for a goalless draw in a feisty encounter held at Bugesera Stadium as the Green Baggies’ struggles for a win over Gasogi continued.
The game saw almost all the chances being created in the first half with glaring misses from both sides.
Erissa Ssekisambu could have put Kiyovu ahead in the 32nd minute but agonizingly shot wide with the opposing goalkeeper at his mercy.
Godwin Blessing and Maxwell Djoumekou also squandered glorious chances as the encounter ended in a barren draw.