Rwanda Premier League: Gorilla edge Bugesera to claim matchday Six win

THEUPDATE

Oct 31, 2025 - 21:10

Rwanda Premier League: Gorilla edge Bugesera to claim matchday Six win

Gorilla FC continued their promising start to the 2025/26 Rwanda Premier League season with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Bugesera FC at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Friday.

The win Gorilla’s third of the campaign lifts them to third place on the league table with 10 points from six matches, signaling growing confidence and cohesion within the squad.

Gorilla FC began the game on the front foot, pressing high and dominating early exchanges.

Their pressure paid off in the 16th minute when defender Kalifa Traoré rose highest to nod home from a well-delivered corner, handing the visitors a deserved lead.

Just six minutes later, Nduwimana Frank doubled the advantage with a composed finish following a quick counterattack that sliced through Bugesera’s defense.

The early two-goal cushion allowed Gorilla to dictate the tempo, forcing Bugesera to chase the game.

The visitors , however, rallied in the second half and reduced the deficit through Rodrigue’s well-taken strike, setting up a tense finale.

Despite sustained pressure from Bugesera, Gorilla’s backline stood firm to preserve the narrow lead until the final whistle.

The victory provides a timely boost for Gorilla FC, who entered the match with seven points and seeking consistency after mixed recent results.

Now sitting third in the standings, they will aim to maintain their upward momentum in their next fixture.

For Bugesera FC, the defeat their second of the season leaves them with six points from six matches, dropping them to ninth on the log.

The team will need to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back in their upcoming outing.

Photos

Split graphic with left side showing Gorilla FC logo in black gorilla head on blue background and score 2-1 with full time text, right side outdoor photo of six male soccer players in blue jerseys and shorts with sponsor Forza on chest celebrating victory by hugging and smiling on green grass field under partly cloudy sky, bottom right includes sponsor logos.

Two soccer players compete for the ball on a green field during a match. One player in a blue jersey with white shorts and black socks dribbles the ball while another in an orange jersey with black shorts and socks attempts to tackle. Additional players in similar uniforms are visible nearby. A stadium with stands containing a crowd of spectators is in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Three Black male soccer players in blue Gorilla FC jerseys with white shorts and red cleats stand on a green grass field near white goalposts under a partly cloudy sky, all raising their right arms in a salute gesture with focused expressions, green trees and stadium seating visible in the background.

Several soccer players in uniforms numbered 26 in gray, 9 in orange, and blue compete on a green field with a ball in motion near the goal area, surrounded by white barriers, trees in background, and stadium seating, with sponsor logos like Super Times visible.

Group of male soccer players in blue Adidas jerseys and white shorts with blue socks stand on a green artificial turf field in a stadium with concrete stands and fencing in the background. Several players raise both arms in celebration, smiling and facing the camera. The team logo Gorilla FC appears on jerseys, along with sponsor patches. Trees and cloudy sky visible beyond the field.

Group of eleven male soccer players from Gorilla FC standing and kneeling in formation on a green soccer field. They wear blue jerseys with Adidas logo and sponsor patches, blue shorts, and socks. The goalkeeper in the center front wears a green jersey and gloves. Background includes green trees, a white fence, and a tall orange and white communication tower under a blue sky.

Graphic displays Starting XI text at top with Gorilla FC logo, listing players 1 Muhawenayo, 15 Moussa Nshuti, 18 Muradha, 2 Akayezu, 23 Nshuti, 27 Mudeyi, 13 Kenna, 10 Franck, 5 Kalifa, 11 Karakose, each with small photo of male player in blue jersey smiling or posing hand gesture, Subs section lists Serge, Kevin, Abdoul, Rene, Nduye, Moise with team badge.

A promotional poster features goalkeeper Gad Muhawenayo in green Adidas goalkeeper jersey and gloves, posing with arms raised, against a blue background with logos for Rwanda Premier League, Forza, APR FC, and Police FC, text Be One Gin Man of the Match Muhawenayo Gad Gorilla FC, and sponsor badges including Star Times.