With the Azam Rwanda Premier League in its final stretch, Rayon Sports’ head Coach Ivan Minneart has said he is still confident his side will retain the title despite the 1-all draw setback against Police FC The reigning champions are in fourth position with 44 points, four behind AS Kigali and six adrift of leaders APR. However, Rayon have played one game less than the two sides. It was a predictably tense clash at Kigali Stadium, both sides pushed so hard to collect the crucial three points. It nearly worked for Rayon Sports but Burundian forward Hussein ‘Tchabalala’ Shaban failed to score from the spot with eight minutes to play. Rayon did not take long to gain control of the first half. With a midfield core of Pierrot Kwizera and Yannick Mukunzi, tipped off by Tchabalala, they had a more composed and relaxed unit, the result was that they had more of the ball but could not build attacks from the back. After several failed attempts, versatile left-back Eric Rutanga finally broke the deadlock in the 31st minute to put Rayon ahead, which was cancelled 11 minutes later through Eric Ngendahimana with a strong shot from 25 yards. “Despite dropping the two points on Saturday, we are still pretty much in the race. We just need the right mindset – not to give up – and keep fighting. It is a tough call; we have to do extraordinarily well in our remaining seven fixtures to stand a chance,” Minneart told Times Sport after the disappointing draw against the law enforcers side. He further noted that, “We still have 21 points up grabs, the pressure (especially from fans) is also mounting as we draw closer to the end. It will keep us to our heels to deliver.” “We misused a lot of goal opportunities today and we paid the price. Our attack prowess and finishing abilities is one area that needs to improve. Definitely we can do better.” Meanwhile his counterpart, Zambian tactician Joel Albert Mphande said that his side deserved better but he was contented the result, which stretched his unbeaten run with Police FC to five games. Battling for a top four finish, the former Peace Cup winners are in fifth place with 40 points. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
