Thursday Police 3-2 Mukura Mohammed Mushimiyimana struck the winner as Police beat Mukura 3-2 in a tightly contested league clash on Thursday, inflicting the first defeat on Francis Haringingo’s side this season. The five-goal thriller, at Kigali Stadium, lived up to its billing as the Peace Cup holders looked to maintain their unbeaten run while Police fought to end their five-game winless streak. The win saw Police remain in sixth position, with 24 points, but closed in on fifth-placed Sunrise by one point. The hosts took the lead just after six minutes following Basil Hatungimana’s foul on Osee Iyabivuze in the box, which resulted into a penalty spot that was well taken by former Mukura forward Kevin Hakizimana. However, the lead was short-lived as Burundi international David Nshimirimana put Mukura level in the tenth minute after some good play from Gael Duhayindavyi and Onesme Twagizimana. Mukura continued to control possession in the midfield, and it did not take long before their skipper Hussein Ciza scored with a rebound in the 26th minute after Police goalkeeper Danny Nduwayo had failed to keep hold of the ball from a strike by Bertrand Iradukunda. Haringingo’s side went into the break with a 2-1 lead. However, it took Antoine Dominique Ndayishimiye only four minutes, after recess, to bring Police back to level terms slotting past helpless Ismaël Wilondja from a rebound shot from skipper Eric Ngendahimana. Police were not finished, however, and they eventually found the winning goal through midfielder Mohammed Mushimiyimana in the 64th minute with a powerful strike after poor defending from Mukura central defender Saidi Iragire and left-back Janvier Mutijima. With their first loss this term, Mukura remain in third place with 26 points and four games in hand. They trail leaders APR by nine points, and are five points behind second-placed Rayon Sports. Mukura will have less than 48 hours to regroup before returning to action on Saturday when they host Amagaju at Huye Stadium. After the home game against Amagaju, the black-and-yellow outfit will travel to Ubworoherane Stadium for an away clash against Musanze on January 30 before taking on Etincelles three days later and then struggling Gicumbi on February 5. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
