Marines FC once again proved they are no pushovers, holding league leaders Al Hilal SC to a hard-fought 1–1 draw in an intense Rwanda Premier League Matchday 26 encounter at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Monday.
Coming into the fixture, Al Hilal SC were in dominant form, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 54 points and riding a wave of three consecutive victories. But Marines FC arrived with determination—and left with a valuable point that underlined their resilience.
Despite a bold decision by head coach Yves Rwasamanzi to start top scorer Mbonyumwami Taiba on the bench, Marines FC showed early discipline against a star-studded Al Hilal side led by captain Yousif Yagub Mohamed Abderlhman and forward Emmanuel Flomo.
Al Hilal SC began on the front foot, creating early pressure. A 7th-minute corner from Petrus Aprocius nearly resulted in an opener, but goalkeeper Hassan Rugirayabo produced a sharp save. Moments later, Yousif Yagub came close with a powerful effort that narrowly missed the target.
However, it was Marines FC who struck first.
In the 26th minute, Mubarak Nizeyimana capped off a well-worked attacking move, calmly finishing a precise assist from Ndombe Menayame to stun the home crowd and give Marines the lead.
The response from Al Hilal SC was swift.
Just four minutes later, a costly defensive lapse by Menayame gifted Emmanuel Flomo the chance to pounce, and the forward made no mistake, firing home a powerful equalizer to restore parity at 1–1 before halftime.
After the break, Marines FC returned with renewed intensity, pushing forward in search of a winner. Olivier Usabimana came close early in the second half but hesitated at a crucial moment, allowing the defense to recover.
As the game opened up, both sides made tactical changes, injecting fresh energy into the contest. Marines FC looked the more dangerous side in the closing stages, with Nizeyimana missing a golden one-on-one chance in the 70th minute.
Substitute Mbonyumwami Taiba nearly made an instant impact, forcing a fine save with a well-placed header in the 77th minute.
Al Hilal SC, however, remained dangerous on the counter. In the 87th minute, Kindness Cole unleashed a fierce strike, but goalkeeper Vally Irambona rose to the occasion with a crucial save to preserve the draw.
Tensions flared late on, with Al Hilal captain Ousmane Diouf shown a red card in stoppage time, adding further drama to an already intense encounter.
At the final whistle, the 1–1 scoreline reflected a balanced contest—but also highlighted a remarkable achievement for Marines FC. They become the first team this season to avoid defeat against Al Hilal SC in both league meetings, having drawn in both fixtures.
The result keeps Al Hilal SC firmly at the top of the table, while Marines FC climb to 8th place with 37 points, edging Bugesera FC on goal difference.
A statement result for Marines—and a reminder that even the league leaders can be matched.
