Right back Michel Rusheshangoga came off the bench to score a stunning 94th winning goal as reigning Azam Rwanda Premier League champions APR FC defeated arch-rivals Rayon Sports FC 2-1 in a match day eight derby encounter staged at Amahoro Stadium on Wednesday night.
Issa Bigirimana put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute as he struck the opening goal after connecting a good goal kick from goalie Yves Kimenyi to score past Rayon Sports goalie Bashunga Abouba.
The visitors surged in search for goals with Niyonzima Olivier, Rutanga Eric and Ghanian Michael Sarpong all making goal attempts but their efforts paid no result.
In the second half, Brazilian Rayon Sports coach Roberto Oliveira introduced new Brazilian signing Raphael Jonathan Da Silva for Ghanian midfielder Donkor Prosper as he aimed to beef up his striking force.
The substitution paid off when APR Fc were reduced to ten men with holding midfielder Ninzeyimana Mirafa receiving a second yellow card of the game following a foul committed on Da Silva in the 57thminute.
Rayon Sports pressed the military side inside their own half and with seven minutes to stoppage time, Ghanaian forward Michael Sarpong equalized for the Blues following a goalkeeping blunder from APR Fc goalie Yves Kimenyi.
APR Fc coach Jimmy Mulisa then brought in Savio Nshuti Dominique for Mugunga Yves and Michel Rusheshangoga for Issa Bigirimana.
Sarpong had another goal disallowed as he was judged to be in an offside position by the second assistant referee Theogene Ndagijimana.
In the 94th minute, Rusheshangoga broke hearts of Rayon Sports fans as he struck a long shot from the right flank into Bashunga’s goal, a ball that the Rayon Sports goalie poorly judged and could not save. The strike sent the stadium into jubilation with a minute to full time.
The 2-1 result has seen APR Fc move into second spot with 18 points, one point behind leaders Mukura VS while Rayon Sports remains in fourth slot with 15 points.
APR Fc has now won their 37th derby match against Rayon Sports as Rayon Sports Fc remains on 28 victories over the military side.
In other matches played today, AS Muhanga routed Sunrise Fc 4-2 in Muhanga District while Marines FC edged Amagaju 3-0 in Rubavu District.
Players who started for both clubs
APR FC: Kimenyi Yves, Ombolenga Fitina, Herve Rugwiro, Prince Buregeya, Iranzi Jean Claude, Mugiraneza Jean Baptiste Migi, Nizeyimana Mirafa, Imran Nshimiyimana, Issa Bigirimana, Muhadjiri Hakizimana and Mugunga Yves
Rayon Sports FC: Bashunga Abouba, Iradukunda Eric Radu, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Manzi Thierry, Rutanga Eric, Yannick Mukunzi, Niyonzima Olivier Sefu, Donkor Prosper Kuka, Gilbert Mugisha, Sarpong Michael & Manishimwe Djabel
Azam Rwanda Premier League, Match Day 8 Results
Tuesday, December 11
SC Kiyovu vs Gicumbi FC
Kirehe FC 1-0 Musanze FC
Etincelles FC vs Police FC
Mukura VS 3-1 Espoir FC
Wednesday, December 12
Marines FC 3-0 Amagaju FC
AS Muhanga 4-2 Sunrise FC
APR FC 2-1 Rayon Sports FC
Thursday, December 13
AS Kigali vs Bugesera FC (Stade de Kigali)
