In a captivating friendly encounter at the Saint Annibale Stadium on 26 April 2025, Urumuri FC and Guepard FC played out a dramatic 3-3 draw. The match, which kicked off at 3:30pm, showcased a rollercoaster of emotions as both teams fought valiantly for supremacy.
Urumuri FC lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, which saw Hurbet C stationed in goal. The back four comprised Jean-Pierre Dunia and Kalisa Johnstone as right and left defenders respectively, flanking central defenders Pitchi H and Mugabo Jacques. In midfield, Robert Kitinga and Habimana Honore operated on the right and left flanks, while NSHIMIYEMUNGU Bakashika and Mugisha Ilene held central roles. Up front, Dr Josue and Gaspard H formed the striking partnership, tasked with converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Urumuri FC included Cyusa Hussein, Ishaala Buregeza, Matic E, Fils Peter, and Simo-Wafo Rostand, who would later play crucial roles in the match.
The first half began with Urumuri FC asserting their dominance, and it wasn’t long before they broke the deadlock. In the 18th minute, Habimana Honore found the net with a well-placed right-footed shot from inside the box, assisted by Mugisha Ilene from a free kick. This early goal set the tone for an exciting first half.
Urumuri FC continued to press, and their efforts bore fruit again in the 32nd minute when Mugisha Ilene scored a stunning solo goal. Receiving a short pass from NSHIMIYEMUNGU Bakashika, he unleashed a right-footed strike from close range, doubling Urumuri's lead and sending the home fans into raptures.
As the first half drew to a close, Urumuri FC made a series of substitutions to refresh their squad. Kalisa Johnstone, Dr Josue, Jean-Pierre Dunia, and Gaspard H were replaced by Cyusa Hussein, Ishaala Buregeza, Matic E, and Fils Peter respectively, just before the half-time whistle blew.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Guepard FC came out with renewed vigour. In the 73rd minute, they pulled one back with a close-range tap-in, igniting hopes of a comeback. The visitors continued to apply pressure, and just six minutes later, they equalised with a spectacular long-range effort that flew past Hurbet C, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
With the match entering its final stages, Guepard FC took the lead for the first time in the 83rd minute, scoring from a direct free kick taken from outside the box. The home side, now trailing 3-2, faced an uphill battle to salvage a point.
However, Urumuri FC demonstrated their resilience. In the 88th minute, Mugisha Ilene emerged as the hero once again, striking a magnificent long-range shot with his right foot that found the back of the net, restoring parity and ensuring that both teams would leave the pitch with a share of the spoils.
The match concluded with a thrilling 3-3 draw, a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams. Urumuri FC will take heart from their attacking prowess, while Guepard FC will reflect on their remarkable comeback, setting the stage for an exciting rematch in the future.
