Gicumbi FC Outlast Mukura Victory Sports in Five-Goal Thriller

The Rwandan National League witnessed an end-to-end spectacle on May 24, 2026, as Gicumbi FC edged past Mukura Victory Sports 3-2 at the Gicumbi Stadium. The home side’s resilience proved decisive in a match that swung back and forth.

Match Overview

Mukura Victory Sports started strongly, taking the lead inside ten minutes through a well-worked team move. Striker Jean-Pierre Habimana finished clinically from close range after a clever cross from winger Emmanuel Niyonzima. Gicumbi responded with urgency, and their pressure paid off in the 24th minute when midfielder David Mugisha volleyed home from the edge of the box after a corner was only half-cleared.

The second half began at a frenetic pace. Gicumbi took the lead for the first time in the 52nd minute through substitute Patrick Hakizimana, who latched onto a long ball and chipped the advancing goalkeeper. Mukura hit back just seven minutes later: Alain Muneza drove into the box and fired a low shot into the far corner to make it 2-2.

Key Moment and Tactical Story

With the score level and both teams pushing for a winner, Gicumbi’s tactical flexibility made the difference. Coach Thierry Rukundo switched to a more direct approach, targeting Mukura’s tiring full-backs. The winning goal arrived in the 74th minute: a quick throw-in caught the Mukura defence off guard, allowing Eric Niyonshuti to cut inside and unleash a curling shot that nestled into the top corner.

Mukura pushed forward in the final minutes but Gicumbi’s defensive block, led by centre-back Felix Mugabo, held firm. The hosts’ ability to absorb pressure and counter effectively was the decisive factor.

Standout Players

• Eric Niyonshuti (Gicumbi FC) – Scored the winning goal with a moment of brilliance and was a constant threat on the counter.
• Patrick Hakizimana (Gicumbi FC) – Impact substitute who scored one and created the third.
• Jean-Pierre Habimana (Mukura Victory Sports) – Opened the scoring and troubled Gicumbi’s defence throughout.

Table Impact

Gicumbi FC’s victory moves them to sixth in the Rwandan National League, just three points off the top four. Mukura Victory Sports drop to ninth, their playoff hopes fading after a run of inconsistent results.