Sunday, February 23 Rayon Sports 2-1 Mukura VS AS Kigali 0-1 Al Merrikh Bugesera 1-1 Musanze Rayon Sports defeated Mukura Victory Sports 2–1 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday to boost their Rwanda Premier League title hopes.The Blues nearly squandered their two-goal advantage late in the second half, but referee Samuel Uwikunda disallowed Mukura’s stoppage-time equaliser for a foul on goalkeeper Oliver Kwizera.Rayon started aggressively, with forward Aziz Basane scoring a stunning goal in the opening minute to hand his side an early lead. Ramazani Tchimanga then headed home Didier Mugisha’s free kick in first-half stoppage time (45 1) to give the hosts a 2–0 cushion at the break.After the restart, Mukura returned stronger and controlled much of the possession. They pulled one back in the 77th minute when Joseph Sackey headed in from a well-delivered free kick by Elie Tatou Iradukunda.The visitors believed they had equalised in stoppage time, but Uwikunda ruled out the goal after Mukura players were adjudged to have fouled Kwizera in the build-up.The victory lifted Rayon Sports to fifth place with 35 points, level with fourth-placed Police but behind on goal difference. The Blues, however, have a game in hand against league leaders Al Hilal on Wednesday, February 25, at Kigali Pele Stadium. A win would move them up to third place with 38 points.Elsewhere, Bashir Bangoura scored the lone goal in the 82nd minute as Al Merrikh edged AS Kigali in an earlier fixture at Kigali Stadium.Al Merrikh climbed to second place with 40 points, one behind Al Hilal, who defeated Gorilla FC 1–0 on Saturday courtesy of Sunday Damilare’s 60th-minute strike.Musanze FC held Bugesera FC to a 1–1 draw at Bugesera Stadium, while AS Muhanga beat Rutsiro FC 2–1 at Muhanga Stadium on Saturday.League action continues Monday when Gasogi United face Amagaju FC at Kigali Stadium, while SC Kiyovu host Marines on Tuesday at the same venue.
