Rayon Sports suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Mozambique’s Black Bulls FC on Saturday, leaving the Rwandan side needing a strong response in the return leg to keep its hopes of reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stage alive.
The second-round first-leg match was played at Amahoro Stadium, where Rayon struggled to convert its chances before conceding twice in the second half.
Both sides showed attacking intent in the opening period, creating opportunities through passing combinations and forward moves, but neither managed to score before the break.
Black Bulls broke the deadlock in the 54th minute after winning a corner. Candido Mathe delivered the set piece, and captain Abdou Gueye rose to head the ball into the net.
The goal forced Rayon to make changes as it searched for an equaliser. Antonio Atisso Kodjo was replaced by Moise Sandja Bulaya, while Muhoza Daniel and Ibrahim Djingarey also came on for Tambwe Gloire and Obed Uwumukiza.
Rayon increased the pressure, with Junior Kameni attempting to threaten the visitors’ goal and Elie Ishimwe Ganijuru providing deliveries from the left. However, Black Bulls goalkeeper José Ventura Guirrugo made a series of saves to preserve his side’s advantage.
The visitors had a chance to extend their lead during stoppage time when Gueye set up Alirio Cuna. Cuna rounded the goalkeeper but failed to direct the ball into the unguarded net.
Black Bulls made no such mistake with their next opportunity. Danilo Muze received the ball in space on the left, advanced before unleashing a powerful shot past Rayon goalkeeper Dande Junior to make it 2-0.
The result gives the Mozambican side a two-goal advantage ahead of the return leg, scheduled for October 24 in Mozambique.
Rayon must now score in the second leg and improve defensively if it is to overturn the deficit and advance to the next stage of the competition.
