Gorilla FC stun Rayon Sports in red-card chaos (Photos)

Gorilla FC stunned Rayon Sports with a 1-0 victory in a fiercely contested BK Pro League clash on Friday, as four red cards overshadowed the result in a chaotic finish at Kigali Pelé Stadium.

Gorilla claimed a valuable victory after an own goal by Rayon Sports defender Nshuti Didier decided a tense contest, which ended in disorder and four red cards during stoppage time.

The hosts received three red cards, while Rayon Sports had one player dismissed as tempers boiled over in the closing stages of the fourth-round fixture.

Rayon started brightly and nearly took the lead in the 11th minute when left-back Ganijuru Elie struck the crossbar with a powerful effort.

The Blue and White continued to threaten, with Iradukunda Elie Tatou forcing goalkeeper Cuzuzo Aime Gael into a save four minutes later.

Gorilla gradually found their footing and created a promising opportunity in the 20th minute, but no teammate was available to convert Inemesit Sunday Akang’s delivery across the face of goal.

Kirasa boys made an early substitution in the 24th minute, with Mosengo Tansele replacing Chancelor Mengue Ndong.

Mosengo later tested Dande Junior from a free-kick in the 35th minute, but the Rayon goalkeeper dealt with the effort.

Despite chances at both ends, the teams went into half-time level at 0-0.

Rayon introduced Muhoza Daniel for Nisingizwe Christian at the start of the second half, but it was Gorilla who broke the deadlock eight minutes after the restart.

In the 53rd minute, Sunday delivered the ball into a dangerous area, forcing Nshuti Didier to put through his own net and give the hosts a crucial advantage.

Haringingo’s responded by introducing Nizeyimana Moubarak for Iradukunda Elie Tatou in the 61st minute, while Gorilla brought on Karenzo Alexis for Ishimwe Aime Thierry.

The changes helped Rayon increase the pressure.

Uwumukiza Obedi and Tambwe Ngongo Gloire both tested Cuzuzo in quick succession, but the Gorilla goalkeeper produced important saves to preserve his side’s lead.

Cuzuzo remained decisive in the 77th minute, turning Tambwe’s powerful effort behind for a corner.

Rayon continued searching for an equaliser, with Atisso Kodjo replacing Uwumukiza in the 81st minute.

Moubarak came close a minute later after receiving a pass from Kameni Herman Junior, but Cuzuzo again denied the visitors.

Nshuti subsequently headed wide in the 89th minute.

The match then descended into chaos during stoppage time.

Gorilla midfielder Masudi Naricisse was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

The dismissal triggered unrest, and Sunday Inemesit and Gorilla’s goalkeeping coach were also shown red cards.

Rayon defender Nshuti Didier became the fourth person dismissed in the seventh minute of added time after a foul on Akayezu Jean de Dieu.

Gorilla held on to secure a hard-fought win, while Rayon were left to reflect on missed chances and a costly defensive error.

Rayon Sports had generally enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings between the sides.

They beat Gorilla 2-1 away in December 2025 and won 2-0 in November 2024, before the teams drew 1-1 in May 2026.

Gorilla’s latest victory therefore marks a significant result in a fixture in which Rayon had traditionally recorded more wins. 

Photos