Gicumbi FC kicked off their 2026/27 BK Pro League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Police FC at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Monday, September 7.
The visitors secured all three points in their opening fixture, despite facing sustained pressure from Police FC, particularly in the second half.
Gicumbi FC started brightly and looked the more adventurous side in the opening exchanges, although clear-cut chances were scarce.
The first real effort on goal came in the 10th minute when Police FC forward Keffa Tangara tested goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana, who gathered comfortably.
Police FC gradually grew into the game and threatened from set-pieces, with Asman Ndikumana forcing a corner from a well-struck free-kick after Leonard Gakwaya had been fouled outside the penalty area.
The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute when Abdoulatif Hakizimana gave Gicumbi FC the lead. A well-worked corner found Jean Marie Vianney Tuyishimire, whose flick-on coolly dropped for Abdoulatif to slot home from close range.
However, the lead lasted only five minutes as Police FC responded quickly through Malian striker Keffa Tangara, who capitalized on a defensive lapse after Ndikumana's delivery into the box caused confusion in the Gicumbi defence. Tangara reacted quickest to level matters at 1-1 in the 28th minute.
The remainder of the first half was played at a high tempo, with Gicumbi FC enjoying a more possession but struggling to convert their territorial advantage into goals. Police FC also created dangerous moments, particularly through Tangara, whose movement continued to trouble the visitors.
After the break, Police FC appeared the more threatening side. Jonathan Nahimana produced an outstanding save in the 52nd minute to deny Ndikumana to keep Gicumbi FC level at a crucial stage of the contest.
Police FC coach Jaafar Rkyek introduced fresh legs in attack, bringing on Luc Bide Ndohoungar for Ekeson Okorie shortly after the hour mark.
Yet it was Gicumbi FC who would strike the decisive blow.
In the 69th minute, Jean Merveil Tuyisenge calmly converted from the penalty spot after Samuel Ndizeye was adjudged to have fouled him inside the area. The midfielder sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore Gicumbi's advantage.
Police FC launched wave after wave of attacks in search of an equalizer during the closing stages. Ndikumana squandered a promising opportunity from inside the box, while Tangara's deliveries repeatedly created danger.
With time running out, Isaac Eze and his teammates attempted several efforts from distance, but Nahimana remained composed between the posts to preserve Gicumbi FC's slender lead.
Police FC came agonizingly close to drawing level in the 88th minute when Tangara's corner found Ndikumana, whose header drifted narrowly wide of the target.
Despite four minutes of added time, the hosts could not find a breakthrough as Gicumbi FC held firm to claim a memorable victory and an ideal start to the new season.