Gicumbi FC begin BK Pro League campaign with victory over Police FC

Gicumbi FC made a winning start to the 2026/27 BK Pro League season after defeating Police FC 2-1 in an entertaining Matchday One encounter at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Monday, September 7, 2026. The Northern Province side started brightly and put pressure on Police FC early in the game, although they initially struggled to create clear chances in front of goal. Police FC came close in the 10th minute when Keffa Tangara sent an effort towards goal from the flank, but Gicumbi goalkeeper Nahimana Jonathan was well positioned to make the save. Gicumbi eventually broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Hakizimana Abdoulatif reacted quickest to a ball that came from a corner after Tuyishimire Jean Marie Vianney had made the first contact, calmly finishing to put his side 1-0 ahead. Police FC's response was immediate. Just four minutes later, Keffa Tangara restored parity after Ndikumana Asman's delivery into the box created confusion in the Gicumbi defence, allowing the Mali international to finish and make it 1-1. The two sides continued to battle for control, with chances coming at both ends before the interval. Gicumbi enjoyed more possession towards the end of the first half but could not find a second goal. Police FC started the second half with greater attacking intent. Ndikumana Asman tested Nahimana in the 52nd minute with a powerful effort, but the Gicumbi goalkeeper produced an important save to keep the scores level. Police coach Jaafar Rkyek made his first change after the hour mark, bringing on Luc Bide Ndohoungar for Ekeson Okorie as his team looked to regain control of the match. Gicumbi, however, found the decisive moment in the 70th minute. Jean Merveil Tuyisenge was brought down inside the penalty area by Ndizeye Samuel, and the referee awarded a penalty. Tuyisenge stepped up and converted from the spot to restore Gicumbi's lead.

Jean Merveil Tuyisenge delivered a standout performance for Gicumbi FC, scoring the winning goal against Police FC and earning the Man of the Match award.

The striker was at the heart of Gicumbi's attacking display throughout the match. His goal and overall contribution earned him the **Man of the Match award**, capping a standout individual performance in Gicumbi's opening league victory. Police FC pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, with several players attempting to threaten the Gicumbi goal from distance. Nahimana Jonathan remained composed, making crucial interventions to preserve his team's advantage. Keffa Tangara and Ndikumana Asman also came close to creating another opportunity late in the game, but Police FC could not find the finishing touch they needed. After 90 minutes plus four minutes of added time, Gicumbi FC held on for a valuable 2-1 victory, securing three points from their opening league fixture. Gicumbi FC will look to continue their positive start when they host Amagaju FC on September 12, while Police FC will have to wait until September 17 to return to action when they welcome Mukura VS.