Gorilla FC 3 – 1 Al Merreikh | Rwandan National League | 1 June 2026

Gorilla FC produced a dominant performance in the Rwandan National League on 1 June 2026, defeating Al Merreikh 3‑1 at the Kigali Pele Stadium. The home side’s fluid attacking play proved too much for a disjointed Al Merreikh defence.

Fast Start for Gorilla

Gorilla opened the scoring in the 12th minute when midfielder Jean‑Baptiste Mugisha curled a free‑kick into the top corner. The goal galvanised the hosts, who doubled their lead just before the half‑hour mark. Striker Erick Ndayishimiye latched onto a through ball and slotted calmly past the goalkeeper.

Al Merreikh Fight Back But Fall Short

Al Merreikh pulled one back in the 41st minute through a well‑worked set‑piece, with centre‑back Peter Wamala heading home from a corner. The goal gave the visitors brief hope, but Gorilla regained control early in the second half. Winger Alain Rugamba made it 3‑1 in the 53rd minute, cutting inside from the left and unleashing a powerful shot that deflected past the keeper.

Tactical Overview

Gorilla FC’s 4‑3‑3 system exploited the wide areas effectively, with full‑backs overlapping to create overloads. Al Merreikh struggled to contain the pace of Rugamba and Ndayishimiye, and their midfield was often overrun. The visitors’ goal came from a rare set‑piece chance, but they failed to create sustained pressure thereafter.

Season Implications

The victory moved Gorilla FC into the top four of the Rwandan National League, strengthening their prospects for continental qualification. Al Merreikh, meanwhile, remained in the lower half, now four points above the relegation places. Gorilla’s manager Patrick Mbabazi praised his team’s intensity and adaptability after the match.