A packed Kigali Pele Stadium witnessed an absorbing Rwanda Premier League encounter on Wednesday, February 25, as Rayon Sports rallied from behind to secure a 1–1 draw against Al Hilal Omdurman. The 3:30pm kickoff delivered early drama, contrasting halves and late tension in a contest that lived up to expectations. Al Hilal silenced the home crowd inside two minutes when Abdel Raouf capitalised on defensive lapses to hand the Sudanese giants a dream start. The early breakthrough settled the visitors, who went on to dominate much of the first half with controlled possession and purposeful attacking play. Rayon struggled to establish rhythm in the opening exchanges and were forced deep into their own half as Al Hilal created several promising chances. Despite their territorial dominance, the visitors could not add to their lead, taking a narrow 1–0 advantage into the break. Rayon returned from recess with renewed urgency, pressing higher up the pitch and utilising the flanks more effectively. Although Al Hilal carved out a couple of opportunities early in the second half, their inability to extend the lead ultimately proved costly. The equaliser arrived in dramatic fashion in the 79th minute. A dangerous Rayon attack caused defensive confusion, and Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Saeed inadvertently headed the ball into his own net under pressure to level the score at 1–1. The goal reignited the home crowd and shifted momentum firmly in Rayon’s favour. The Blues pushed relentlessly for a winner, with Aziz Bassane and Didier Mugisha both missing clear chances that could have completed the comeback as Al Hilal retreated under pressure. However, the match ended on a tense note when Bassane was shown a red card in stoppage time (90+1), reducing Rayon to ten men and effectively halting their late charge. The draw sees Al Hilal maintain top spot with 42 points, although they still have two games in hand. Rayon Sports remain fifth on 36 points, level with Police FC, who were held to a goalless draw by Rutsiro FC in another rescheduled fixture. Al Merrikh SC sit second with 41 points, while APR FC are third on 39 points as the title race continues to tighten.
