Gasogi United were held at home to a 2-2 draw by a stubborn Rutsiro FC side on match day 19 of the 2022/23 Rwanda Premier League. It was an intriguing game at Nyamata Stadium as Rutsiro twice came from behind to snatch a vital draw. The game began brightly for both teams but it was Gasogi who had the better of the exchanges. ALSO READ: Gasogi pull out of 2023 Peace Cup Tourney Their attacking pair of Maxwell Djoumekou and Theodore Malipangu found spaces at the back of the Rutsiro defense and exploited to great effect. Gasogi’s persisting pressure on Rutsiro paid dividends as Djoumekou fired Gasogi ahead with the opener in the 31st minute. Rutsiro mapped up a strategy of not going too deep. They played a very tactical game and, against the run of play, they scored an equalizer through Jules Watanga on the stroke of recess. Gasogi started the second half brightly as they decided to dominate ball possession as they pushed for a second goal but Rutsiro’s players were too compact to penetrate their defensive wall. ALSO READ: Gasogi battle Kiyovu in feisty encounter The free flowing football that was played by Gasogi and their ability to use wider areas helped them a lot. Dany Niyongira shot Gasogi ahead again in the 63rd minute with a cool finish. The goal seemed to have gingered Rutsiro as they abandoned their defensive play. The visitors moved more men forward in search of an equalizer. They had a penalty following an infringement in the 18-yard box and it was beautifully dispatched by Matata Gakuru in the 80th minute to make it 2-2. Chances were far and few in the last ten minutes of the game as the referee blew his whistle to end proceedings. Elsewhere in Muhanga, a brace from midfielder Abedi Bigirimana ensured brought Kiyovu returned to winning ways as they beat Rwamagana City 2-1 to keep their hopes of staying in the title race. Rwamagana thought they were going to get a good result against a Kiyovu side which was playing behind closed doors after football governing body (Ferwafa)’s disciplinary committee ordered the club to play one home game in an empty stadium days after its supporters abused international referee Salma Mukansanga. The victory moved the Green Baggies to third place on the league table, a point behind second-placed Gasogi and two shy of league leaders APR FC.
