The 2026-27 BK Pro League season got off to an eventful start, with Kiyovu Sports and Police FC suffering defeats while Gicumbi FC and Amagaju FC opened their campaigns with victories.
The first round of the Rwanda men’s top-flight league began on September 5, with six matches played over three days. Three other fixtures were postponed because the teams involved were competing in CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup matches.
Amagaju make winning start
Amagaju FC opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Etoile de l’Est at Kamena Stadium.
Tuyisenge Pacifique broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute before goalkeeper Nicholas Ssebwato scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time to complete the win.
Ssebwato was named Player of the Match after helping Amagaju secure all three points.
Etincelles FC and newly promoted Sunrise FC played out the first goalless draw of the season, while Gorilla FC claimed a surprise 1-0 victory over Kiyovu Sports at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Sunday Inemesit Akang scored in the fourth minute to give Gorilla the lead, which they held until the final whistle.
Marine, Mukura collect three points
Marine FC also started the season with a victory, beating Kigali FC 2-0 at Umuganda Stadium.
Bizimana Yannick opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Niyibizi Ramadhan doubled Marine’s advantage in first-half stoppage time.
Niyibizi was later named Player of the Match.
At Kamena Stadium, Mukura VS&L defeated Gasogi United 2-0, with both goals coming from penalties.
Joseph Sackey converted in the 30th minute before Mutsinzi Patrick scored the second in the 59th minute.
Gicumbi stun Police FC
The final match of the opening round produced another surprise as Gicumbi FC defeated Police FC 2-1 at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Gicumbi took the lead in the 23rd minute through Abdoulatif Hakizimana, but Police responded five minutes later when Keffa Tangara levelled the score.
Tuyisenge Jean Merveil restored Gicumbi’s lead in the 69th minute to secure a memorable victory for the visitors.
Three matches postponed
Three matches from the opening round were postponed because the teams involved were competing in CAF interclub competitions.
Rayon Sports were due to host Al Merrikh SC in a match affected by their CAF Confederation Cup and Champions League commitments. Bugesera FC’s home match against Al Hilal SC Omdurman and APR FC’s meeting with Musanze FC were also postponed.
The three fixtures will be played at later dates to be announced.
The involvement of the Rwandan clubs in continental competition is also expected to affect the second round, as they will be playing the return legs of their preliminary-round ties.
Ssebwato makes an impact
Amagaju goalkeeper Nicholas Ssebwato was one of the standout performers of the opening round after scoring a penalty in his team’s 2-0 win over Etoile de l’Est.
It was his first competitive appearance for Amagaju since joining the club from Mukura VS&L.
His goal not only sealed the victory but also earned him the Player of the Match award.
Opening-round numbers
Six matches were played in the first round, producing 10 goals, an average of 1.6 goals per game.
Etincelles and Sunrise were the only teams to share the points, while Police FC and Gicumbi played the only match in which both sides scored.
Home teams won three of the six matches, one ended in a draw and two were won by visiting teams.
A total of 16 yellow cards were shown, an average of 2.6 per match, while no red cards were issued.
The match between Mukura VS&L and Gasogi United was the only fixture in which no yellow card was shown. The match was officiated by referee Ngabonziza Jean Paul.
Second round begins September 11
The second round of the BK Pro League is scheduled to begin on September 11, when Musanze FC host Kiyovu Sports at Ubworoherane Stadium at 3pm.
The following day, Etoile de l’Est will host Kigali FC at Ngoma Stadium, Sunrise FC will face Gasogi United at Nyagatare Stadium, Gorilla FC will meet Etincelles FC at Kigali Pele Stadium, while Gicumbi FC will host Amagaju FC at Gicumbi Stadium. All four matches are scheduled to kick off at 3pm.
Four matches will be postponed because of CAF commitments. They are Bugesera FC against APR FC, Marine FC against Al Hilal SC, Police FC against Al Merrikh SC and Rayon Sports against Mukura VS&L.
