PHOTOS: Rayon Sports held by Sunrise in league opener

Rayon Sports were held to a 1-1 draw by newly promoted Sunrise FC on Thursday as the hosts began their 2026/27 BK Pro League campaign with a point at Kigali Pelé Stadium.

Sunrise took a surprise lead in the eighth minute when Nzeyimana Jean Petit fired past Rayon goalkeeper Dande Junior after being set up by Kalu Daniel Ikpo.

Rayon responded 21 minutes later through Cameroon forward Junior Kameni, who levelled the contest with a strike from near the edge of the penalty area.

The home side had opportunities to take control before halftime but failed to convert them.

Atisso Kodjo sent an effort wide in the 39th minute, while Kameni had earlier shot over the bar after receiving a pass from Issa Djiguiba.

Rayon continued to push after the break, with Muderi Akbar creating an opening in the 53rd minute after beating several Sunrise players before delivering into the penalty area.

Kameni and Atisso, however, failed to connect cleanly and Sunrise goalkeeper Mfashingabo Didier gathered the ball.

Issa Djiguiba then came close in the 56th minute when his powerful effort from outside the area narrowly missed the target.

Sunrise, who had opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Etincelles, remained organised as the match progressed and managed to withstand sustained pressure from the hosts.

Rayon coach Francis Haringingo made several changes in search of a winner, introducing Muhoza Daiel, Iradukunda Elie Tatou, Nisingizwe Christian and Nizeyimana Mubaraka.

Sunrise coach Banamwana Camarade also made changes as his side defended their point, with Kategenyi Henry, Nzabonimana Prosper and Ntijyinama Patrick coming on.

Neither side found a decisive second goal despite six minutes of added time, leaving the points shared. 

The result extends Rayon’s winless run to four matches in all competitions.

The club had previously drawn 0-0 with Police FC in the FERWAFA Super Cup semi-final and recorded 1-1 and 0-0 draws against Panthère Sportive du Ndé in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Sunrise, the draw means they have taken two points from their opening two league matches.

Rayon will next face Gorilla FC on October 9, while Sunrise are scheduled to play Police FC on October 11.

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