Africa-Press – Rwanda. The Rwanda Premier league resumed on Thursday, February 7, after close to a month on a break.
A total of 16 goals were scored, with APR, Gorilla FC, and Etincelles being the only teams which won away from home.
Three players Hesbon Rutonesha of Gorilla FC, Fall Ngagne of Rayon and APR’s new signing Denis Omedi all hit braces while Rutsiro vs Police was the only encounter which ended in a goalless draw.
Times Sport takes a look at five things we learnt from match day 16.
Rayon Sports poor stamina
The Blues slipped on their home ground as Musanze FC twice came from behind to hold them to a pulsating 2-2 draw.
Rayon virtually gave the game away as, from the 80th minute, they couldn’t run and were wasteful on top of committing fouls in dangerous areas.
It was evident that the Robertinho’s men were looking tired and Musanze FC coach Sostene Habimana tactically capitalized on the situation by piling pressure on them pushing for a late equalizer until Johnson Adeshola Adeaga found the back of the net in the 90th minute to even the scores.
Rayon must improve their physique and the fitness coach has a lot of work to do to bring the players back to their best fitness. It is now obvious that their former physical trainer Lebitsa Ayabonga was doing a great job. The fans are already convinced that the South African is truly missed.
Omedi is coming of age
Denis Omedi made his arrival in Rwandan football felt when he scored a brace as APR FC came from behind to beat Kiyovu on Saturday, February 8, at Kigali Pele Stadium.
The Ugandan winger was arguably APR’s best player on the day. His footwork, speed and eye for goal was paramount to their victory.
For a player to put up such a performance on his league debut, it definitely speaks volumes of his quality.
Title race now wide open
Rayon Sports’ draw with Musane FC saw their point lead at the top reduced to just three points after APR FC had beaten Kiyovu Sports 24 hours earlier to leave the title race wide open.
The Blues lead the charge with 37 points, followed by APR with 34 while AS Kigali come in third place with 29. The title hasn’t been decided yet and it does not look like a two-horse race with the Citizens looking rejuvenated and poised for a comeback in the second half of the league campaign.
Any of these teams can win the title with 14 games left. However, it is surely going to be between Rayon and APR. Now, any further Blues slip could prove costly to them.
Niyonzima proving age is just a number
The majority of players of his generation have retired from professional football but former Amavubi skipper Haruna Niyonzima is still playing with energy. He is the real definition of “Fine wine gets better with age.”
The veteran midfielder announced his presence back to the local front with a fine strike as AS Kigali beat Bugesera FC 1-0 on Saturday. He may have lost physique due to his age but one can easily see the talent is still intact and he is also serving as an inspiration to the younger generation.
Rutonesha proving Police FC wrong
Police FC released Hesbon Rutonesha at the end of the 2023/24 season as spent most of the time of his spell on the sidelines. The law enforcers opted to release him before giving him an opportunity to reach his full potential.
The forward rejoined his former club Gorilla FC and now he is delivering. He has scored three goals and provided two assists for the club so far this season.
Rutonesha, who operates as a box-to-box midfielder, scored twice against Vision FC on Thursday as Gorilla won 2-1. He was by far the best player on the pitch.
Looking at Rutonesha, one will wonder if Police FC coach Vincent Mashami should have given him time after his injury hell. Sadly, Police FC do not have a central midfielder in the caliber of the Rwanda U23 midfielder and that has been one of their problems this season.
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