Rayon Sports beat Tusker FC to close in on CECAFA Kagame Cup semi-finals (Photos)

Rayon Sports strengthened their hopes of reaching the CECAFA Kagame Cup semi-finals after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kenya's Tusker FC in their second Group C match at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Wednesday.

Antonio Atisso Kodjo Kossivi’s (45’) strike on the stroke of half-time proved decisive as the Rwandan giants claimed back-to-back victories in the regional tournament, leaving Tusker FC on the brink of elimination after suffering a second consecutive defeat.

Knowing another positive result would significantly boost their qualification hopes, Rayon Sports started brightly but found it difficult to create clear-cut opportunities during a cautious opening period.

Tusker FC enjoyed more possession in the early exchanges and attempted to put the hosts under pressure, but neither side managed to establish sustained control of the contest.

Rayon’s first meaningful chance arrived in the 14th minute when Ibrahim Mansouru Djingarey released Iradukunda Elie Tatou, whose effort drifted wide of the target.

The Rwandan side gradually increased the tempo, with Djiguiba Issa testing goalkeeper Brandon Obiero Nathan from long range before the Kenyan champions were forced onto the back foot.

Tusker nearly punished Rayon midway through the first half when Steve Omondi unleashed a powerful strike, but goalkeeper Dande Junior reacted superbly to preserve the deadlock.

As the pressure shifted from one end to the other, Rayon continued to probe through Tatou and Djiguiba, while the visitors relied on quick transitions in search of an opening.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 45th minute. Midfielder Muderi Akbar delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, where Antonio Atisso Kodjo Kossivi timed his run perfectly to steer home and hand Rayon Sports a deserved lead heading into the interval.

The second half produced an entertaining contest as Tusker searched desperately for an equaliser while Rayon looked to extend their advantage on the counterattack.

Tatou remained one of Rayon’s brightest performers, rattling the crossbar with a powerful long-range effort in the 58th minute after earlier creating several dangerous attacks.

However, the winger was also the victim of a series of heavy challenges, with Tusker defender Servyl Akouala Amuor receiving a yellow card after bringing him down.

Rayon head coach Francis Haringingo introduced fresh legs during the second half, with Tambwe Gloire, Ndikumana Asman, Muhoza Daniel and Ndayishimiye Didier all entering the fray as the hosts sought to protect their slender advantage.

Tusker created several late opportunities to rescue a point, the best falling to John Otieno, who fired over the crossbar when well placed inside the area, before Muhoza Daniel squandered an excellent chance to seal the result in stoppage time after breaking through on goal.

Despite the late pressure, Rayon Sports defended resolutely, with captain Emmanuel Nshimiyimana marshaling the back line and Nshuti Didier producing a crucial intervention deep into added time to deny Tusker a final opportunity.

Having recorded successive wins in Group C, Rayon Sports will turn their attention to a decisive meeting with Sudan’s Al Hilal SC, knowing another positive result could secure a place in the semi-finals.

Rayon Sports XI: Dande Junior (GK), Ganijuru Ishimwe Elie, Nshimiyimana Emmanuel (C), Nshuti Didier, Charles Tchouplaou, Muderi Akbar, Ibrahim Mansouru Djingarey, Issa Djiguiba, Antonio Atisso Kodjo Kossivi, Iradukunda Elie Tatou and Kameni Herman Junior.

Tusker FC XI: Brandon Obiero Nathan (GK), Warsama Hassan, Fabian Bathes Adikiny, Servyl Akouala Amuor, Aboubacar Doumbia, John Otieno, Aboud Omar (C), Abdoulie Joof, December Kisakah, Victor Mbaoma and Steve Omondi.

Photos