Rayon Sports started their 2023-24 Rwanda Premier League season on a bright note as they beat Gasogi United 2-1 at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Friday, August 18.
Rayon new coach Zelfani Yamen started the game with five of his new signings namely Ally Serumogo at right back, Burundian duo of Aruna Madjaliwa and Emmanuel Mvuyekure in central midfield while Ugandan striker Charles Bbaale led the attack with Rharb Youssef operating from his left in a 4-3-3 formation.
The deadlock of the game was broken in the 11th minute as Bbaale who was tormenting the Gasogi backline shot his side ahead with a fantastic finish. Despite conceding, Gasogi decided to sit back and soak the pressure as they sought to catch Rayon on the break but they quickly abandoned that idea with Ally Serumogo and Elie Ganijuru remaining solid in lateral defence for Rayon and serving as stumbling block.
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Joackim Ojera who was a tough customer for the Gasogi players beautifully set up Rharb Youssef and the Moroccan made no mistake by putting the ball at the back of the net to make it 2-0 in the 17th minute.
Rayon scored again in the 58th minute with their first major attack in the second half through Ojera but the goal was ruled offside. However, in the 89th minute, Gasogi were awarded a penalty following an infringement in the Rayon vital area and Theodor Malipangou stepped up to beautifully slot home the spot kick to reduce the deficit.