Hosts Rayon Sport suffered a bitter 2-1 loss to visiting Algerian side USM Alger in a CAF Confederation Cup Group D played at the Stade Regional Nyamirambo in Rwanda on Wednesday evening.
Rayon had prepared well for the clash opening the early encounter with wave after wave of attack directed at USM Alger but they failed to utilise the numerous chances they created early in the game.
Rayon’s effort was brilliant as they pushed for a goal just before the half time break when Ismailla Diarra put them ahead with a clinical finish to put the scores at 1-0 in favour of the hosts.
However the lead was short-lived as USM Alger rallied back pulling a goal back through Farouk Chafai as the game went to the break at 1-1.
Rayon Sport came back from the break perhaps re-ernegised from the half time pep talk by coach Ivan Minnaert as they sort to push the visitors perhaps to get another goal but Alger’s defence remained relentless instead getting the winner deep in the injury time when substitute Abdelraouf put matters beyond the host to give the visitors the important 2-1 win.
The win means USM Alger remain top of the group with seven goal followed by Gor Mahia,Rayon Sport then Yanga of Tanzania.
The two sides will renew their rivalry when the Rwandans get on the road on July 29 to honour their return clash in Algiers.
Rayon Sport starting 11: Bashunga, Ange, Rwatubyaye, Manzi, Irambona, Kwizera, Usengimana, Muhire, Mbondi (Bimenyimana 57’, Mugume 83’), Manishimwe, Diarra
USM Alger starting 11: Zemmamouche, Meftah, Chafai, Benyahia, Cherifi, Koudri (Benguit 68’), Chita, Benkhemessa, Bouderbal (Ardji 88’), Mahious (Yaya 60’), Meziane
