AS Kigali forward Emmanuel Okwi scored the opener to guide the Citizens to a 2-0 win over Vision FC on Rwanda Premier League (RPL) matchday 26, strengthening their hold on third place and leaving Vision FC in deeper relegation trouble with four matches remaining.
Okwi, Akayezu score to seal AS Kigali’s 2-0 win over Vision FC at Kigali Pele Stadium on April 5.
With key starters Haruna Niyonzima, Franklin Onyeabor, and Shaban Hussein on the bench, AS Kigali delivered a subdued first half, creating few chances as the teams went into the break goalless.
A more aggressive second half followed, and 11 minutes after the restart, Ugandan veteran Okwi, wearing the captain’s armband, broke the deadlock with his eighth league goal of the season.
Following an injury to defender Prince Buregeya, coach Shaban Mbarushimana brought on Shaban Hussein and shifted from a 4-3-3 to a 3-4-3 formation, with Didier Ndayishimiye and Jean Bosco Akayezu partnering Placide Rwabuhihi at the back.
In the 73rd minute, Rubavu-born winger-turned-fullback Jean Bosco Akayezu overlapped on the left, cut inside, and scored a low shot at the near post to beat Vision goalkeeper Lutaaya Michael, doubling the lead.
AS Kigali maintained possession comfortably in the closing stages, while substitutes Elie Kategaya and Musa Esenu failed to spark a Vision FC comeback.
The win keeps AS Kigali third on 44 points, eight behind second-placed APR and seven ahead of fourth-placed Police, both of whom have a game in hand.
Vision FC remain bottom with 20 points. With defeats for both AS Kigali and Kiyovu, Vision FC edge closer to relegation.
AS Kigali next face Kiyovu, while Vision FC visit Marines in another relegation battle.
