Mukura coach hails team after claiming second spot

Saturday AS Muhanga 2-1 Gicumbi FCMukura VS 1-0 AS KigaliSC Kiyovu 3-2 Sunrise FC Mukura Victory Sports head coach Godfroid Okoko came out strongly and hailed his players after registering a nail-biting 1-0 win over AS Kigali to move into second place in national football league in a match played on Saturday at Huye Stadium. The win propelled Mukura above Rayon Sports into second place with 56 points, with three matches left to play while Rayon dropped to third with 54 points. Mukura moved to within five points of leaders, APR FC, who were due to face Musanze FC later on Sunday at Kigali Regional Stadium. The lone goal was scored by Rwanda international midfielder Muhadjiri Hakizimana in the 56th minute when he connected well with a fine cross from left full back Celestin Ndayishimiye. “We have to look forward for the next games. I like the way the team played but obviously we have to improve in each of the last three games,” the Burundian coach said after the match. Okoko added: “We missed a lot of chances to score more goals but we have to be happy to win the game 1-0. We played against a good team but I am happy with my boys’ display.” AS Kigali had a goal denied in the first half after Charles Tibingana Mwesigye was ruled offside following a good exchange with Hamidou Ndayisaba. Mukura VS had several goal scoring opportunities from Celestin Ndayishimiye and Burundian Christophe Ndayishimiye but AS Kigali’s Ugandan-born experienced goalie Batte Shamiru was on top form to save his side from heavy defeat. Elsewhere, SC Kiyovu defeated Sunrise FC 3-2 at Mumena ground to move to fifth spot with 44 points, one point above Police FC. Relegation-bound side AS Muhanga defeated Gicumbi FC 2-1 to remain 16th with 18 points while Gicumbi FC stayed in eighth place with 34 points. editorial@newtimes.co.rw