REG WBBC stun APR again to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.

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October 7, 2024

Kristina Morgan King and Victoria Reynolds powered REG Women BBC’s 76-51 dominating victory over APR Women BBC on Sunday evening that gave REG a 2-0 lead in the Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs Finals.

The center Kristina Morgan King and forward Victoria Reynolds combined 48 points as the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) improved to 5-0 in the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) Playoffs and gave themselves a chance to close out the fuming APR WBBC with wins on Wednesday and Friday.

Charles Mushumba’s frustrated team fell behind by 15 points in the first quarter, finishing at 11-26. This strong start enabled REG to build on their lead and left the army team with little chance to mount a comeback.

The 2023 RBL champions and league record title holders APR had to slow down the flying REG team in the second quarter; however, they struggled to organize their offense and hence scored again 11 points in the quarter.

Although they held REG to just 11 points, they still trailed by 15 points at the break. 22-37.

APR entered the third quarter with determination to cut the deficit. Led by Sifa Ineza, who scored 11 points—including three three-pointers—APR dominated the quarter 19-16 and fueled hopes for a strong comeback in the final period.

APR, the team that lost the first game on final possession, continued the momentum and trimmed the gap to 7 points by scoring 5 points in the first minute. However, Julian Martinez’s REG showed resilience, effectively stopping and neutralizing APR to control and dictate the game for good.

REG, the 2021 and 2022 league champions, outscored APR 23-10 in the final quarter, leaving APR with a tough challenge if they want to rebound in the series on Wednesday.

The defending champions, APR, had no answer for the electric REG duo of Kristina Morgan and Victoria Reynolds.

The game ended 76-51 behind strong individual performances from Kristina Morgan King, Victoria Reynolds, and Ange Nelly Irakoze.

Kristina Morgan King scored a game-high 25 points, grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds, and blocked 2 shots, also the most in the game.

Victoria Reynolds had an impressive offensive performance, shooting 9-13 FGs and a perfect 4-4 from the foul line to finish with 23 points. The Kenyan international also recorded 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals in her 38 minutes on the court.

Ange Nelly Irakoze had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds in the game. REG struggled with bench production, which contributed only 6 points.

On the losing side, Kemba Diakite scored 14 points, and Sifa Ineza added 11 points, all in the third quarter.

The teams will return on the court on Wednesday, October 9, for Game 3.

Will APR respond and stop REG’s winning streak, or will the best-of-seven series lean heavily in one direction?

All games are being held at Petit Stade.

Photos: Innocent SHEMA

Victoria Reynolds scores 20 points as REG completes a sweep of Kepler.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 3, 2024

Victoria Reynolds scored 20 points as the REG WBBC beat Kepler 70-56 to complete a 3-0 series sweep and eliminate them from the semi-finals of the Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs.

On Wednesday, October 2, Kepler’s bid for the league title in their maiden season came to a halt as Victoria Reynolds and REG overwhelmed them in all three series games.

The 27-year-old Kenyan international small forward delivered an impressive performance in Game 3 of the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) playoff semi-finals to propel REG to the finals for the fourth consecutive year.

Reynolds shot 7-12 from the field, including 3-5 from behind the arc during her 30 minutes on the court. She also went a perfect 3-3 from the free throw line, dished out 5 assists, blocked 2 shots, and grabbed 4 rebounds.

This is her first 20-point performance in the postseason, reflecting the team’s growing chemistry.

In addition to Victoria Reynolds’ good performance, Kristina Morgan King contributed a double-double with 10 points and 17 rebounds.

For Kepler, Henriette Uwimpuhwe led with a game-high 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep the powerful REG’s roster from sealing a 70-56 victory at Petit Stade.

Sandra Nelly Nsanzabaganwa added 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, while defensive standout Veronica Keita Gbenakpon contributed 7 points and 18 rebounds.

Captain Umugwaneza’s big performance advances APR to their third consecutive final appearance.

Charlotte Umugwaneza delivered a towering 19-point and 20-rebounds double-double display as APR Women BBC thrashed GS Marie Reine 86-45, sweeping them and advancing to the finals to defend their crown.

Umugwaneza had no turnovers in her 20 minutes on the court.

Under the coach Charles Mushumba, the army team took control of the game from the start and maintained it through the end the third quarter, giving their key players some minutes to rest in the final quarter.

APR will compete against REG Women BBC in a best-of-seven series to crown the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League Champions and the series is set to tip off on Friday, September 4, at Petit Stade.

Photos: Innocent SHEMA

REG and APR on the brink of the finals.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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September 30, 2024

REG's Odile Tetero dribbles past Sandra Nelly.

REG Women BBC and APR Women BBC are one game away from the Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs Finals, each leading their best-of-five semi-finals series 2-0 against Kepler and GS Marie Reine, respectively.

On Sunday, September 29, at Petit Stade, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and APR teams dominated Kepler and GS Marie Reine in Game 2 to pave their way into the Finals for the third consecutive time.

The defending champions, APR, secured a 61-37 victory over GS Marie Reine in Sunday’s first game, taking a 2-0 lead in the series. Captain Charlotte Umugwaneza shined with a double-double, contributing 16 points and 16 rebounds to the win.

GS Marie Reine is on the verge of elimination from the playoffs after suffering losses of 95-65 and 61-37 in Game 1 and 2.

However, led by Brigitte Nibishaka, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year and the league’s current leading scorer as well as rebounder, GS Marie Reine can take many positives from this season, having reached the playoffs for the first time.

Meanwhile, Kepler, in their first season in the Rwanda Basketball League, is just one game away from being swept.

Under the guidance of coach Rene Sahabu, they suffered a 107-45 defeat in Game 1 against REG, followed by a 78-51 loss in Game 2. The Kinyinya-based team will need a strong performance in Game 3 on Wednesday to avoid a sweep.

Top-seeded REG Women BBC, now under Spanish coach Julian Martinez, have bolstered their roster with the addition of Kenyan small forward Victoria Reynolds. With recent changes in administration, coaching, and key trades, the team appears more cohesive and determined to dethrone APR.

Under coach Martinez, REG has improved ball movement and is providing opportunities for all players. Odile Tetero, Ange Nelly Irakoze, and Ramla Umunezero have regained confidence and are among the team’s top scorers and rebounders.

The teams will meet again on Wednesday, September 2, for Game 3. If APR and REG win, they will advance to the playoffs finals.

APR and REG faced off in finals for the past two seasons.

SOR athletes shine and break barriers at the Unified Basketball Clinic.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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September 25, 2024

Special Olympics Rwanda (SOR) exhibits the interaction between people with and without intellectual disabilities on court during a basketball clinic held at Lycée de Kigali.

On the second day of a workshop to expand the Unified Champion Schools program across the continent, SOR held an inclusive basketball clinic to highlight their achievement in progressing from inclusive education to inclusive recreation.

The clinic included fundamental basketball skills like footwork, jab steps, passing, dribbling, shooting, and layups.

With guidance from Moise Mutokambali, the National Technical Director, grassroots coaches from the Rwanda Basketball Federation taught both athletes and workshop participants that basketball serves not only as a way to showcase the talents and passion but also a way to have fun and enjoy life.

While speaking to Moise Mutokambali during the clinic, he emphasized the federation’s commitment to inclusive sports and shared his excitement about working with people with intellectual disabilities.

“The Basketball Federation actively promotes inclusive sports as well. People with intellectual disabilities are just like everyone else and deserve inclusion in basketball.” Said Mutokambali

He added, “Throughout our sessions, they demonstrated impressive skills and displayed enthusiasm for scoring and celebrating. They have a solid grasp of basketball concepts.”

The UCS program supported SOR to identify and connect students with intellectual disabilities in schools. This initiative creates a sports platform for them and fosters inclusive recreation.

With “Excellence in Action” as the motto of the workshop, Rwanda continues to highlight its achievements over the past four years, with basketball clinics being a key activity on the agenda.

Pastor Deus Sangwa, the chairman of the board for SOR, noted the importance of sharing and welcoming ideas with fellow Africans about the benefits of UCS.

“What helped us was having a clear starting point, and that’s what we shared with our colleagues. We started by engaging the government entities, including the Ministry of Education and local government administrators in charges of welfare in districts. This approach helped us to create pathways to schools and the families of people with intellectual disabilities.” Pastor Sangwa said

The chairman of the board also stated that the project could not have been realized without the support of His Highness, the President of the United Arab Emirate and ruler of Abu Dhabi.

“We are deeply grateful to His Highness Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support. We truly appreciate it,”declared the chairman of the board for SOR.

The honored guest at the workshop was Mrs. Nelly Mukazayire, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports. She stated that the ministry and the Rwandan government fully support this workshop, which aims to foster the exchange of ideas.

SOR — Mrs. Nelly Mukazayire, The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Sports

“We are so much behind this workshop, which is an expression of our country’s commitment to foster sport and to foster inclusiveness through Sports for All. So we are very excited to be with you and to host you in Rwanda, and we believe this workshop is going to be of a great opportunity and great occasion to exchange, to learn from each other, to share experiences, but also to be together.”

SOR — Mr. Charles Nyambe, President and MD of Special Olympics Africa, exposes his basketball skills during the clinic

SOR — Big man Pitchou Manga, the Rwanda Basketball League Defensive Player of the Year and clinic ambassador, poses with Sammy Kamande, Chairperson of the Africa Regional Athlete Leadership Council and a Special Olympics Kenya athlete since 2015.

SOR — UCS program produces champions both on and off the court!

The workshop will continue and conclude tomorrow, September 26.

Special Olympics Rwanda hosts a continental gathering to expand Unified Champion Schools in Africa.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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September 24, 2024

Kigali, September 24— Special Olympics Rwanda (SOR) hosts 61 delegates from 14 African countries, along with representatives from the USA, for a three-day workshop on Unified Champion Schools at the Marriott Hotel. The event will highlight Rwanda’s continued success in inclusive education.

Special Olympics Rwanda’s implementation of inclusive education through the unified Champion Schools program has become a model for other African countries, with some eager to learn from its success.

In his welcome remarks, Pastor Deus Sangwa, chairman of the board for Special Olympics Rwanda, expressed pride in hosting a significant event. He also emphasized the positive impact of the initiative on the community and pointed out Rwanda’s desire to share its journey and experiences.

“Special Olympics Rwanda is extremely proud to host this keystone event and to share its experiences and activities. Unified Champions Schools has had a great impact in the program communities, from primary schools, secondary schools, to universities, and we are glad to be sharing our practices,” said Pastor Sangwa.

Four years ago, Rwanda became the first sub-Saharan country grant recipient of the three-year Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools project initiative—collaboratively established by Special Olympics International and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi—which also included Argentina, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and Romania.

Special Olympics Rwanda has 20,172 registered athletes and unified partners. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities, breaking down barriers so that they can be full members of their community.

Unified Champion Schools (UCS) has been operating in Rwanda since 2020, reaching 210 schools across the country, to help students with intellectual disabilities connect and interact with their peers without disabilities.

Building upon the success of the past four years, during which Special Olympics Rwanda achieved “Regional Hub of Excellence” status for its high-quality programming, this workshop aims to extend this excellence to new programs across the region.

By sharing their expertise, Special Olympics Rwanda aims to elevate UCS programming and underscore the importance of inclusion in education. Today, 41 program countries across the Africa Region have 3,735 unified schools and 759 Unified Champion Schools.

Speaking about the UCS expansion and Rwanda’s selection, Mr. Charles Nyambe, president and managing director of Special Olympics Africa Region, highlights Rwanda’s capacity to spearhead the adaptation of the UCS project. He envisions this as positioning Rwanda as an important example for other programs globally.

He said, “A critical element for this global expansion was empowering a select group of programs to adapt the UCS programming model for their local context and opportunities and serve as a model for UCS implementation to other programs in their region and around the world. Special Olympics Rwanda was selected as a global leader, out of over 190 eligible countries where accredited Special Olympics programs exist.”

The workshop, themed “Excellence in Action—Expanding Unified Champion Schools across Africa,” will resume tomorrow with a showcase of the UCS model featuring Basketball and Handball at Lycée de Kigali.

The event will conclude on Wednesday, September 26.

APR’s Isaiah Jaleel Miller Named 2024 RBL Playoffs MVP.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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September 23, 2024

Isaiah Jaleel Miller was named the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs Finals Most Valuable Player on Sunday as his APR BBC team polished off Patriots four games to two to earn a record 15th championship.

Kigali, September 22— APR Basketball Club claimed the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) title at BK Arene, earning the club a RBL-best 15th title. After the game, top performers from the league and playoffs were honored, with American guard Isaiah Jaleel Miller receiving the playoffs finals MVP award.

Isaiah dropped a game-high 19 points, three rebounds, and four assists in APR’s 73-70 triumph against the Patriots in Game 6, in addition to playing excellent defense during the game.

Undoubtedly a high-profile this season, Isaiah Jaleel Miller—who has had short stints with NBA franchises Portland Trailblazers and Minnesota Timberwolves during the offseason—averaged 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3 assists in the finals.

During the awards ceremony, fellow American and Kepler guard Chad Bowie Jordan was recognized as the league’s top scorer and also named MVP. Fabrice Muhoza, also known as Musinga from Espoir BBC, was honored as the most improved player.

In his third season in the top-flight league, Musinga recorded the most blocks in the league, despite his team missing out on the playoff spot in the final two games.

REG BBC’s Pitchou Manga earned the Defensive Player of Year title, while Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba of the Patriots took home the award for best three-pointer. Patriots head coach Henry Mwinuka was named coach of the year after leading his team to just one defeat in the regular season.

Isaiah Jaleel Miller received a cash prize of USD 2,000, while APR took home 15 million Rwandan francs. The patriots and REG BBC, as the first and second runners-up, received 7.5 million and 3 million Rwandan francs, respectively.

The All-Star Game is on the horizon to conclude the RBL men’s season.

RBL Finals: APR BBC beat Patriots in Game 6 to clinch the Rwanda Basketball League title.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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September 23, 2024

APR Basketball Club clinches the Rwanda Basketball League title for the second year in a row, overcoming the Patriots 73-70 in a tough Game 6. They concluded the best-of-seven series with a 4-2 record.

September 22— At BK Arena, APR Basketball Club successfully defended their Rwanda Basketball League title by defeating Patriots in a tense Game 6 of the Playoffs Finals.

A strong third period helped APR win a tightly contested game that came down to the wire. The depth of APR’s roster was extremely important, especially as Patriots played without the injured William Kiah Perry.

Perry suffered a back injury in Game 5, ruling him out for Game 6. Despite struggles with bench depth earlier in the series, Henry Mwinuka rallied his team to fight until the final seconds of the game. A missed three-pointer by Branch Stephaun could have tied the game and forced overtime.

Stephaun, the Patriots’ leading scorer, also missed a buzzer-beater in Game 5 that could have sealed the game for them. The scores were 17-19, 19-14, 25-18, and 12-19, with the Patriots’ late comeback falling short, leaving them without a trophy this season.

APR’s recruitments paid off, especially with outstanding performances from guard Isaiah Jaleel Miller and big man Aliou Fadiala Diarra. Miller, eventually dubbed the Playoffs Finals Most Valuable Player (Playoffs MVP), shone offensively during this campaign, while Diarra’s defensive prowess helped APR secure back-to-back league titles for the first time since 2009.

The Malian center led the finals in both rebounds and blocks, averaging 16.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. Miller’s 19 points in Game 6 brought his finals average to 20.1 points per game, the highest in the series.

APR finished the Rwanda Basketball League regular season in second place behind the Patriots, having lost both first and second leg matches against them. However, with changes in coaching staff that saw James Edward Maye take over from Mazen Trakh and strategic trades, the reigning champions entered the postseason with renewed determination, eliminating REG BBC in semifinals and reaching the finals and facing Patriots.

This title marks a treble for the Lions in the 2024 season, as they also won the inaugural Rwanda Cup and the GMT.

This title marks APR’s 15th Rwanda Basketball League championship, the most in Rwanda’s history and the Rwanda’s army team will represent the country in 2025 Basketball Africa League.

APR FC’s path to the CAF CL Group Stage remains arduous.

By

Ground Sports

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September 22, 2024

APR FC’s quest for the CAF Champions League’s group stages has once again been halted by Pyramids with a 4-2 aggregate score.

On September 21, APR FC faced another setback, losing 3-1 to the Pyramids and being knocked out of the competition with a 4-2 aggregate score.

The five-time consecutive champions of the Rwanda Premier League, since 2019, have encountered yet another defeat at the hands of Pyramids, following a humiliating 6-1 loss at the same venue, 30 June Stadium, last season.

In the first leg at Amahoro Stadium, APR managed a 1-1 draw, hoping to defy the odds and eliminate the Egyptian giants to reach their long-awaited Champions League group stage.

However, the 2023/2024 Egyptian League runners-up find their matchup against APR as manna, having reached the CAF Champions League group stages only twice in their history and passing APR on both occasions.

In the second leg, Mouhamed Chibi equalized APR’s early lead by Dauda Youssif, and the second half goals from Fiston Mayele and Karim Hafiz secured a 3-1 victory, sending the Pyramids to the 2024 CAF Champions League Group stage.

APR FC, the most decorated football club in Rwanda, had eliminated Tanzania’s Azam in the first round of these preliminary rounds. After a busy summer transfer window, the army side appeared to be aiming for more than just local trophies.

Their focus must shift as they have to prepare Etincelles FC match at Umuganda for their first league match.

Bbaale’s strike seals Rayon Sports 1-0 victory over Gasogi United.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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September 22, 2024

Charles Bbaale’s deflected second-half goal against Gasogi United was enough for Rayon Sports to claim their first three points of the 2024 Rwanda Premier League.

September 21 will go down in history as the day Gasogi United became the first Rwanda Premier League team to host a match at the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium.

Despite hosting at 45,000-seat capacity, Gasogi United suffered their first loss of the season after starting with two wins and a draw in their first three matches. They fell to Rayon Sports, who were still searching for the first win in the campaign.

Ugandan forward Charles Bbaale scored just minutes into the second half, giving Rayon Sports a lead in a match where they hadn’t truly dominated. Bbaale’s goal came in the 50^th minute from a cross by Hadji Iraguha.

Bbaale controlled the ball, struck with his left foot, and Adolphe Hakizimana deflected the shot, preventing goalkeeper Dauda from reacting.

Gasogi’s chances of equalizing were further hindered when skipper Akbar Mudeli was sent off at a critical moment when the team needed full commitment from all players. The Burundian international’s open boot on Aruna Musa Madjaliwa left the referee, Samuel Uwikunda, with no choice but to issue a straight red card. Consequently, Bbaale’s lone goal decided the match.

This goal marked Bbaale’s first of the season and ended Rayon’s string of draws, making it the first league goal scored at the newly modernized Amahoro Stadium.

With this victory, Rayon Sports improved their rocky start to the season, now sitting on 5 points from three matches. Gasogi United has 7 points from four matches.

Rayon Sports will next travel to Rubavu to face the on-form Rutsiro team, while Gasogi will head to Bugesera for their upcoming match.

East African countries improve in the latest FIFA Rankings.

By

Ground Sports

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September 19, 2024

Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and DR Congo have all risen in the September 2024 FIFA Rankings, released in Zürich, Switzerland, on Thursday.

Following strong performances in the African Cup of Nations 2025 Qualifiers opening two matches, most East African countries climbed in the FIFA rankings, published on Thursday, September 19, by the World Football governing body, FIFA.

The Democratic Republic of Congo leads the East African region in the rankings. The Leopards’ back-to-back victories over Ethiopia and Guinea place them at the top of Group H and boosted their standing by two spots to 58^th globally and 10^th in Africa.

Uganda’s cranes follow closely. Propelled by a 2-0 home win against Congo Brazzaville and an away draw with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, Uganda jumped five places to 90^th worldwide and 19^th in Africa to lead the CECAFA region and rank second among East African nations.

Kenya’s Harambe Stars, ranked third in East Africa, moved up six spots to 102^nd globally and 23^rd in Africa after a goalless draw with Zimbabwe and a 2-1 away victory against Namibia in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

Tanzania’s Taiffa Stars rose three places to rank 110^th globally, 26^th in Africa, and 4^th among East African countries. A 2-1 victory against Guinea in their AFCON Group H qualifier helped improve their ranking.

Rwanda’s Amavubi moved up one spot to 130^th globally and 38^th in Africa, thanks to draws against Libya and Nigeria.

Burundi climbed three spots to 136^th globally and 41^st in Africa after a 3-2 win over Malawi and a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal at Bingu Wa Mutharika Stadium.

In contrast, South Sudan dropped three places to 172^nd in the world.

Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon, Mali, and DR Congo make up Africa’s top 10. On the global stage, Argentina retains the top spot, followed by France, Spain, England, and Brazil.

The next rankings will be released on October 24.

REG WBBC stun APR again to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Kristina Morgan King and Victoria Reynolds powered REG Women BBC’s 76-51 dominating victory over APR Women BBC on Sunday evening that gave REG a 2-0 lead in the Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs Finals.

Victoria Reynolds scores 20 points as REG completes a sweep of Kepler.

Victoria Reynolds scored 20 points as the REG WBBC beat Kepler 70-56 to complete a 3-0 series sweep and eliminate them from the semi-finals of the Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs.

REG and APR on the brink of the finals.

REG Women BBC and APR Women BBC are one game away from the Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs Finals, each leading their best-of-five semi-finals series 2-0 against Kepler and GS Marie Reine, respectively.

SOR athletes shine and break barriers at the Unified Basketball Clinic.

Special Olympics Rwanda (SOR) exhibits the interaction between people with and without intellectual disabilities on court during a basketball clinic held at Lycée de Kigali.

Special Olympics Rwanda hosts a continental gathering to expand Unified Champion Schools in Africa.

Kigali, September 24— Special Olympics Rwanda (SOR) hosts 61 delegates from 14 African countries, along with representatives from the USA, for a three-day workshop on Unified Champion Schools at the Marriott Hotel. The event will highlight Rwanda’s continued success in inclusive education.

APR’s Isaiah Jaleel Miller Named 2024 RBL Playoffs MVP.

RBL Finals: APR BBC beat Patriots in Game 6 to clinch the Rwanda Basketball League title.

APR FC’s path to the CAF CL Group Stage remains arduous.

APR FC’s quest for the CAF Champions League’s group stages has once again been halted by Pyramids with a 4-2 aggregate score.

Bbaale’s strike seals Rayon Sports 1-0 victory over Gasogi United.

Charles Bbaale’s deflected second-half goal against Gasogi United was enough for Rayon Sports to claim their first three points of the 2024 Rwanda Premier League.

East African countries improve in the latest FIFA Rankings.

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