Gisagara VC suffered a home defeat after surrendering a two-set lead to lose 3-2 to Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in a thrilling five-set encounter (25-22, 25-19, 23-25, 23-25, 18-20) on Saturday, November 7.
REG produced a remarkable comeback, winning three consecutive sets to snatch victory in the decisive tie-break. Middle blocker Peacemaker Twagirayezu played a crucial role in sealing the win, delivering a decisive serve to secure the visitors’ triumph.
REG head coach Benon Mugisha travelled to Gisagara without first-choice middle blocker Emmy Twagirayezu, who is expected to spend two weeks on the sidelines with a finger injury.
His absence appeared to affect REG’s defensive stability, prompting Mugisha to start Sam Engwua and Jean Baptiste Tuyizere in the middle-blocking positions. On the opposite side, Gisagara coach Pierre Marchal Kwizera relied on former REG players Bienvenue Rukundo and Ronald Muvara in the same positions.
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Gisagara made a strong start, with Willy Rukundo producing crucial attacking points to help the hosts claim the opening set 25-22.
The home side maintained its momentum in the second set, as South Sudanese players James Achille and Kathbart Malinga spearheaded the attack. Their contributions helped Gisagara extend its lead with a 25-19 victory, putting REG under considerable pressure.
However, Mugisha responded with tactical adjustments in the third set, introducing Merci Gisubizo while retaining first-choice attacker Nicholas Matui.
The changes paid off as REG gradually regained their rhythm and mounted a spirited comeback. The visitors took the third and fourth sets by identical 25-23 margins to level the match at 2-2 and force a deciding tie-break.
The fifth set proved equally tense, with both sides battling for victory. However, costly reception errors undermined Gisagara’s chances, allowing REG to capitalise.
Peacemaker Twagirayezu delivered the decisive serve as REG edged the hosts 20-18 to complete an impressive comeback and claim a 3-2 victory.
Elsewhere, Kirehe VC overcame EAUR in a four sets (20-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-21) to secure a valuable victory in the ongoing regular season.
Police VC also registered their second win of the campaign after defeating Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC) in four sets (21-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-21). The victory lifted Police to second place in the standings.
Meanwhile, APR VC maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a straight-sets victory over RP-Ngoma (25-17, 25-20, 25-13).
The army side collected three more points to take their tally to 11 from four matches, strengthening their position at the top of the standings.
After four matches, the men’s regular-season standings are as follows:
- APR VC – 11 points
- Police VC – 10 points
- Gisagara VC – 8 points
- REG VC – 7 points
- Kirehe VC – 7 points
- EAUR – 2 points
- RP-Ngoma – 0 points