Rayon Sports and Al Hilal SC shared the points after playing out a 1-1 draw in their eighth-round BK Pro League encounter at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday evening, November 4, 2026.
The result came after Rayon Sports had secured back-to-back victories, beating Musanze FC 3-0 and Marine FC 2-1. Their opponents, Al Hilal, had recently won the CECAFA competition but were also seeking a response after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Marines FC. The Sudanese side had previously beaten Rayon Sports 4-0 in a league encounter in January 2026.
The match was therefore an important test for both teams, although the draw appeared less damaging for Rayon Sports, while Al Hilal were looking to recover from their recent setback.
Rayon Sports coach made one change to his starting line-up, bringing in striker Moise Sandja Bulaya in place of Daniel Muhoza. Bulaya was later substituted in the second half, with Muhoza coming on to score the equaliser that secured a valuable point for the Blues.
The first half began with both teams cautiously testing each other’s defence while looking for opportunities to attack. Rayon Sports made several attempts to break the deadlock but struggled to convert its chances.
The home side won a free-kick following a foul on Iradukunda Elie Tatu, but failed to make the most of the opportunity. Shortly afterwards, Rayon Sports threatened again with a powerful shot that was saved by Al Hilal goalkeeper Soufiane Farid.
In the 31st minute, Ahmed Salim received a yellow card for a foul on Issa Djiguiba.
Al Hilal broke the deadlock just two minutes later through Mohammed Abdelrhman Yousif Yagub, who skilfully beat Rayon Sports defenders before finding the back of the net.
Rayon Sports tried to respond before the break, creating opportunities to level the score but failing to capitalise on them. The first half ended with Al Hilal leading 1-0.
Al Hilal made a substitution at the start of the second half, with Ansumana Samula replacing Adama Koulibaly.
The Sudanese side continued to control much of the game and came close to extending its lead in the 57th minute. Samula found himself one-on-one with the Rayon Sports goalkeeper but failed to convert the chance.
In the 63rd minute, Al Hilal captain Mohammed Yussif was forced off due to injury and was replaced by Ahmed Ahmed.
As the match approached its conclusion, Rayon Sports intensified its search for an equaliser. Its persistence finally paid off in the 89th minute.
After a well-worked passing move, substitute Daniel Muhoza, who had come on for Issa Djiguiba, struck the ball into the net. Al Hilal’s goalkeeper and defenders were unable to keep out the effort, restoring parity at 1-1.
The match ended in a draw, leaving Al Hilal 11th in the standings with seven points from four matches, while Rayon Sports moved to eighth with eight points from five games.
The league will now pause as national teams turn their attention to Africa Cup of Nations qualification fixtures before the teams return for the ninth round.
Rayon Sports will next face arch-rivals APR FC in a highly anticipated derby at Amahoro Stadium on November 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
The big question now is whether Murera can maintain its momentum and challenge APR FC, a side it has not beaten in recent encounters.
