Bugesera 1-2 Musanze FC – Musanze Snatch Late Winner in Nyamata

February 22, 2026, brought a Rwandan National League fixture between Bugesera and Musanze FC at Nyamata Stadium. Musanze emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, courtesy of a dramatic 87th-minute strike from substitute Alain Niyonkuru.

The match started at a frantic pace. Bugesera took the lead in the 12th minute when striker Hassan Ndayisaba pounced on a defensive error and fired past Musanze goalkeeper Fiston Mwizerwa. Musanze struggled to settle initially, but they gradually grew into the game. The equalizer came in the 35th minute: a well-worked free kick delivered by Emmanuel Havugimana found captain Jean Pierre Kagabo, who headed home from close range.

The second half was a tight affair, with both teams creating half-chances. Bugesera’s Eric Niyonzima hit the crossbar with a curling effort in the 61st minute, while Musanze’s Ladislas Mugisha saw a goal disallowed for a marginal offside decision in the 74th minute.

Decisive Moment

With the game heading for a draw, Musanze launched a final attack. A long ball from midfield was flicked on by Havugimana, and substitute Alain Niyonkuru, who had been on the pitch for just seven minutes, reacted quickest. He volleyed past Bugesera keeper Innocent Niyonzima to seal a dramatic victory. The stadium erupted, and Musanze held on during three minutes of added time to claim the three points.

Match Stats

• Goals: Bugesera 1 – Musanze 2
• Possession: Bugesera 44% – Musanze 56%
• Shots on Target: Bugesera 4 – Musanze 6
• Yellow Cards: Bugesera 3 – Musanze 2

The win moved Musanze up to 10th place in the table with 21 points, while Bugesera remained in 12th with 18 points. Musanze’s second victory in three matches highlighted their improvement under coach Jimmy Muhizi, and they will now look to build on this momentum in their next away trip to Mukura Victory Sports.