Marines FC and Musanze FC Share Spoils in 1-1 Rwandan National League Draw

Marines FC and Musanze FC played out an entertaining 1–1 draw on May 24, 2026, in the Rwandan National League. The match at Stade Régional de Nyamirambo saw both sides have periods of dominance, yet neither could find a winning goal.

First-Half Tactical Battle

The opening 45 minutes were cautious, with both midfields cancelling each other out. Marines FC enjoyed slightly more possession, while Musanze relied on the pace of their wingers to threaten on the break. The deadlock was broken in the 38th minute when a defensive clearance fell to Marines’ midfielder Eric Habimana, who volleyed spectacularly into the top corner from outside the box. The home crowd erupted as Marines took a deserved lead.

Musanze Fight Back

Musanze came out with renewed intensity after the break. They equalised in the 56th minute through a well-worked set-piece. A corner was flicked on at the near post, and centre-back Patrick Mugabo was on hand to bundle the ball over the line from close range. The goal lifted the visitors, and for the next 20 minutes they pressed for a winner.

However, Marines regrouped and created the better chances in the final quarter. Striker John Rukundo had a header cleared off the line in the 81st minute, and a late free-kick from substitute Alphonse Niyonzima forced a fine save from Musanze goalkeeper Emmanuel Ndayisaba.

Standings and Looking Ahead

The draw keeps both teams in the middle of the Rwandan National League table. Marines FC sit eighth with 34 points, while Musanze are just one place behind in ninth. With the season entering its final stretch, neither side can afford to drop too many points if they want to push for a top-five finish.

• Goal scorers: Eric Habimana (38’), Patrick Mugabo (56’)
• Man of the match: Eric Habimana – goal and tireless midfield performance
• Yellow cards: 2 each

Marines host AS Kigali next weekend, while Musanze travel to Rayon Sports in a tough away fixture.