Kiyovu Sports maintained their lead on the league table following their 2-0 win over Rayon Sports at the Kigali Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Irrespective of what happens in the match between their rivals APR FC and Rutsiro on Sunday, the Green Baggies will still be at the Apex of the table with 50 points from 22 games. A scintillating free kick by Abedi Bigirimana in the first half and a late strike by substitute Fred Muhozi decided the epic game. Kiyovu started the game brightly with a surging run-on the right flank from Ali Serumogo but Bienvenue Mugenzi blasted his effort off target to the relief of the Rayon Fans. Rayon Sports looked a bit jittery in the early stages as they were losing all the 50-50 balls to Kiyovu Sports. The first clear chance of the game fell to Musa Essenu in the 12th minute after a missed kick by Thierry Ndayishimiye but with goalkeeper Kimenyi Yves at his mercy, the Ugandan striker just ballooned the ball into the skies. In a space of two minutes, Emmanuel Okwi pounced on a loose ball in the Rayon Sports penalty area and hit a superb shot which hit the woodwork. Kiyovu began to mount pressure on Rayon Sports as a ferocious long range drive from Bienvenue Mugenzi which was heading to the right corner of the net agonizingly hit the post. Rayon got their acts together with some wonderful displays in midfield by skipper Kevin Muhire. It nearly yielded dividends in the 25th minute as midfielder Kwizera Pierrot hit a thunderbolt from 30 yards which missed the upright by inches. Emmanuel Okwi was released beautifully by Abedi Bigirimana inside the Rayon Sports penalty box but his strike was superbly saved by goalkeeper Adolphe Hakizimana who drew applause from the fans in the 30th minute. Kiyovu finally broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a fantastic free kick from Abedi Bigirimana after Emmanuel Okwi was fouled at the edge of the penalty box. Chances were far and few in the first half came to an end with Kiyovu Sports leading 1-0 and having the Lions share of possession. The second half started with Rayon Sports stepping up the accelerator and dictating the pace of the game but still found it difficult to penetrate through the impregnable Kiyovu defence. Against the run of play, Amissi initiated a quick counter attack on the right but Emmanuel Okwis shot was saved by goalkeeper Adolphe Hakizimana. To add more bite to their attack, Kiyovu brought on Fred Muhozi for Amissi as they switched to a conventional three top with the former Espoir striker leading the lines. Musa Essenu again had a clear chance in the 89th minute to bring Rayon Sports to level pegging following a brilliant pass from midfield but with Yves Kimenyi at his mercy once again he blasted the ball over the bar to the dismay of the Rayon fans Substitute Fred Muhozi killed the game in the final minute of injury time as he latched on to an excellent pass in the box and slipped it past a helpless Adolphe Hakizimana for the second goal of the game for Kiyovu. The league leaders remained resolute at the back as they recorded another good win to move to 50 points and cement their place at the top of the table.
