Peace Cup: Biramahire hits double in Rayon's draw with Gorilla FC

Striker Abedi Biramahire netted a brace as Rayon Sports came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw with Gorilla FC at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday in a 2024/25 Peace Cup quarter finals first leg game. In the absence of striker Fall Ngagne, Abeddy Biramahire led the attack of the Blues as he was flanked on both wings by Innocent Assana and Aziz Bassane. Gorilla on the other hand had all their arsenals on the field including skipper Victor Murdah, Keddy Nsanzimfura, Hesbon Rutonesha among others. It took only 10 minutes for new signing Landry Ndikumana to fire Gorilla ahead as they took control of the game. Rayon failed to penetrate through the middle despite having Richard Ndayishimiye, Olivier Niyonzima and Abdul Rahman Rukundo. Gorilla switched play to the flanks and occasionally dragged Rayon Sports through the middle. Keddy Nsanzimfura made it 2-0 with an excellent finish in the 40th minute as the woes of the Blues was depend. After the break, Rayon Sports virtually took over the game as they tried to maintain possession. Their dominance yielded dividends as Biramahire reduced the deficit with a goal in the 51st minute. With the scores at 2-1, Rayon gained the needed confidence as they threatened the Gorilla vital area many times. Biramahire scored again in the 58th minute to make it 2-2 as he completely mesmerized the Gorilla defense afterwards. Nsanzimfura was sent off in the 77th for a foul as Gorilla played the final 13 minutes of the game with 10 men. ALSO READ: Amagaju FC upset Rayon Sports in Huye The Blues having a one-man advantage pushed for the winner but Gorilla held on as the game ended 2-2. The second leg is set for the same on Tuesday, March 4. In other games, Amagaju defeated Mukura Victory Sports 2-0 at Huye Stadium whereas Police FC came from behind to beat AS Kigali 2-1. Emmanuel Okwi gave the Citizens the lead but Abedi Bigirimana equalized before Elijah Ani came from behind to win the game for the defending champions.