Rayon Sports were put to the test in a goalless draw against Gorilla FC in a Rwanda Premier League encounter at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday.
It was a tense match, with both teams producing a slew of good chances but unable to capitalize on them.
Rayon Sports coach Zelfani Yamen opened with a 4-3-3 formation, with Youssef Rharb on the left, Joackiam Ojera on the right, and Charles Bbaale as the centre striker.
In the meanwhile, Gorilla head coach Moussa Gatera started Mohammed Camera and Adeshola Johnson Adeaga in attack since he had no intention of playing conservatively.
Adeaga bulldozed his way into Rayon’s key area early in the first half for Gorilla, but Adolphe Hakizimana saved his effort.
Rayon, on the other side, frequently utilised their right wing, with Ojera attempting to cut in. He found Bbaale a number of times, but the Ugandan striker squandered those opportunities.
With Aruna Madjaliwa merely defending the back four and unable to move forward, Zelfani’s team plainly lacked the crucial driving power in midfield. The Blues’ midfield became rather immobile as they lacked the necessary efficient power to move ahead.
Despite playing good football, neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first half.
Rayon substituted Rashid Kalisa for Youssef Rharb in the second half as Zelfani changed formation to stabilize the midfield.
Because of his ability to press the ball from the middle of midfield, Kalisa’s debut injected some urgency into the Rayon Sports team.
The Blues appeared well-organized and produced some nice chances in Gorilla FC’s 18-yard box, but all of them were wasted, much to the chagrin of their supporters.
Didier Mucyo also came in for Ally Serumogo as the visitors attempted to shore up their defense.
Rayon’s nightmare was Iroko Babatunde, who could weave his way through the Blues’ back four.
Zelfai also brought on Hadji Iraguha and Felix Ndekwe to replace Burundian duo Emmanuel Mvuyekure and Aruna Madjaliwa in the middle, but Rayon was still unable to find space as Gorilla played a very close game.
Both teams played conservatively in the final eight minutes of the game to avoid surrendering a goal until the referee blew his final whistle, resulting in a goalless tie.