AS Kigali Secures Their First Three Points in the League

AS Kigali earned a 1-0 victory over Musanze FC in their second league match, just before the national team, ‘Amavubi,’ heads into a break.

The match took place on Monday, August 26, 2024, at Kigali Pelé Stadium.

Musanze FC was missing some key players, including defender Muhire Anicet, also known as Gasongo, and Ntijyinama Patrick, known as Mbogamizi. Meanwhile, AS Kigali was without their head coach, Guy Bukasa.

Musanze started strong and created several chances. In the 17th minute, Mathana Lethabo even scored, but the goal was ruled offside.

As the game went on, AS Kigali found their rhythm, but Hussein Tchabalala missed a few opportunities. Musanze took control again around the 30th minute, launching several attacks, but either the shots missed the target, or AS Kigali’s goalkeeper, Cuzuzo Gaël, made the save.

In the 40th minute, AS Kigali had another good chance. Tchabalala took a shot, but Musanze’s goalkeeper, Nsabimana Jean de Dieu, who goes by ‘Shaoulin,’ blocked it. After a scramble in the box, Nsabimana made another big save.

The first half ended scoreless.

Just a few minutes into the second half, in the 47th minute, Tchabalala made a great run and took a shot that hit the post. Ndayishimiye Didier pounced on the rebound and scored, giving AS Kigali the lead.

From that point, AS Kigali kept pushing, but despite several chances from Ndayishimiye and Gyslain Armel, they couldn’t add to their lead.

By the 70th minute, the match slowed down, with both teams battling for control in the midfield and fewer goal-scoring chances.

In the final minutes, Musanze pushed hard for an equalizer, but AS Kigali’s defenders, including Rucogoza Elias, Ngendahimana Eric, and Frank Onyeabor, stood firm.

The match ended with a 1-0 victory for AS Kigali, giving them their first three points of the 2024/25 season. Unfortunately for Musanze, this was their second loss after drawing their opening game against Muhazi United.

The league will now take a break as the national team, ‘Amavubi,’ prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. They’ll be facing Libya on September 4 and Nigeria on September 10, 2024, at Amahoro Stadium.

• AS Kigali Starting XI
• Musanze FC Starting XI

Some highlights:

• Kamanzi Achiraf getting ready to send in a cross.
• Ndayishimiye Didier scoring the only goal of the match.
• Ndayishimiye Didier and Hussein Tchabalala celebrating the goal.
• A special celebration from Ndayishimiye after scoring.
• Ndayishimiye Didier continues to impress for AS Kigali.
• Ngendahimana Eric made his debut for AS Kigali.
• Musanze’s goalkeeper, Nsabimana Jean de Dieu, made several key saves.
• Kamanzi battling with Rucogoza Elias.
• National team coach Frank Spittler was spotted watching the game.
• AS Kigali’s coaches celebrated their first league win.