Wednesday, December 17 Etincelles FC 1–2 Al Merrikh SC Al Merrikh SC maintained their perfect run of form in the Rwanda Premier League with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Etincelles FC at Umuganda Stadium on Wednesday. The Sudanese side secured their fifth consecutive win thanks to a dramatic late winner from Sudanese winger Mubarak Ahmed Abdallah. The victory lifted Darko Novic’s side to fourth place on the league table with 18 points, despite having played four matches fewer than most of their rivals. Al Merrikh started the match on the front foot, pressing aggressively from the opening minutes and forcing Etincelles onto the back foot. Their pressure paid off in the 32nd minute when Gedeon Ndonga Bivula inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving the visitors the lead. Etincelles head coach Djuma Masudi responded by reorganising his side to stem the tide. The hosts gradually grew into the game, dominating possession and creating chances, which eventually led to an equaliser. Veteran forward Ciza Hussein struck in the 44th minute, sending both teams into the break level at 1–1. After recess, Al Merrikh regained control of midfield and pushed relentlessly for a winner. Their persistence was rewarded in the 89th minute when Abdallah Ahmed fired home the decisive goal, silencing the home crowd and sealing all three points for the visitors. Al Merrikh now sit eight points behind league leaders Police FC, but victory in their four games in hand would see them move top of the standings on 30 points. Action continues on Thursday, December 18, with Al Hilal facing SC Kiyovu at Kigali Pele Stadium, while Gicumbi FC host in-form Marine FC in Kigali.
