Gorilla FC claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Amagaju in the Rwandan National League on Saturday, with a late second-half goal settling a closely contested match.

Gorilla FC started brightly and took the lead midway through the first half, but Amagaju responded well after the break and equalised just before the hour. The hosts regrouped, pushed forward again and found the winner with just over ten minutes remaining, sparking celebrations around the ground.

Match overview

The game was played at a good tempo, with Gorilla FC looking to use the width of the pitch and Amagaju sitting compactly in a mid-block. Gorilla’s midfield controlled the early exchanges, while Amagaju grew into the contest as the first half wore on and threatened from set pieces.

After the interval, Amagaju’s equaliser changed the mood and gave the visitors belief. For a spell, Gorilla looked rattled, but their response was impressive. They regained control of possession, forced a series of corners and eventually broke through again.

• Possession: Gorilla FC 54% – Amagaju 46%
• Shots: Gorilla FC 13 – Amagaju 9
• Corners: Gorilla FC 7 – Amagaju 4

Key moments

• 22nd minute – Gorilla FC take the lead. Eric Nsengiyumva timed his run perfectly to meet a cross from the right and headed firmly past the goalkeeper.
• 58th minute – Amagaju equalise. Patrick Mugisha capitalised on a loose ball at the edge of the box and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.
• 79th minute – Gorilla FC score the winner. Nsengiyumva struck again, reacting quickest to a rebound after the Amagaju goalkeeper had parried a shot from distance.

Tactical story

Gorilla FC’s approach was built on getting the ball wide and delivering early crosses, and that strategy produced the opening goal. Their midfield trio worked hard to win second balls, and the full-backs were encouraged to push forward whenever possible. Amagaju, by contrast, defended in a narrow block and looked to spring counter-attacks through the channels.

The equaliser came during Amagaju’s best spell of the match, but Gorilla’s bench made a difference in the final quarter. Fresh legs in wide areas helped them pin Amagaju back, and the winning goal came from sustained pressure rather than a single moment of magic. It was a victory built on persistence.

Standout players

Nsengiyumva was the obvious hero for Gorilla FC, scoring both goals and leading the line with energy. Midfielder Jean-Paul Habimana was also influential, dictating the tempo and winning several important duels. For Amagaju, Mugisha was their brightest attacking threat and took his goal well, while their goalkeeper made several good saves despite being on the losing side.

Season impact

The three points lift Gorilla FC into a more comfortable position in the Rwandan National League standings and give them momentum for the next round of fixtures. Amagaju remain in need of points and will rue the chances they conceded after equalising. The result adds another tight chapter to the league’s midfield battle, where home form is proving increasingly valuable.