Al Hilal SC were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayon Sports after conceding an 89th-minute equaliser in their eighth-round Rwanda Premier League encounter at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Wednesday, November 4.
The visitors had looked set to claim victory after taking the lead in the first half, but Rayon Sports kept pushing and were rewarded when substitute Muhoza Daniel struck in the closing minutes.
Both sides started cautiously, concentrating much of their play in midfield and creating few clear chances during the opening stages.
Rayon began to threaten more regularly after 20 minutes. Iradukunda Elie Tatou unleashed a powerful shot that Al Hilal goalkeeper Soufiane Farid pushed away. Issa Djiguiba tried to capitalise on the rebound but his attempt went just wide.
Al Hilal broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. Mohamed Abdelrhman Yousif Yagub beat the Rayon Sports defenders before finishing to give his side a 1-0 advantage.
Rayon struggled to find a way through Al Hilal’s defence for the remainder of the first half, allowing the visitors to take their lead into the break.
Al Hilal introduced Ansumana Samula for Adama Coulibali at the start of the second half and continued to create opportunities. Samula came close to scoring but sent his effort over the crossbar when presented with a chance in front of goal.
Rayon stepped up their search for an equaliser from around the 65th minute. Muderi Akbar sent a ball into the penalty area, but Farid intervened before Kameni could convert the opportunity.
The Al Hilal goalkeeper produced another important save in the 78th minute, keeping out a powerful effort from Iradukunda Elie Tatou from outside the penalty area.
However, Al Hilal’s resistance ended in the 89th minute. Muhoza Daniel, who had entered the match as a substitute, scored with a powerful shot to bring Rayon level and secure a share of the points.
The draw left Al Hilal SC 11th with seven points, while Rayon Sports occupied eighth position with eight points.
Elsewhere in the eighth round, Bugesera FC beat Amagaju FC 2-1, Kiyovu Sports defeated Etincelles 1-0 and Gicumbi FC secured a 1-0 victory over Gorilla FC. Etoile de l’Est also claimed a 2-0 win against Musanze FC.
