Did the Absence of Muhire Kevin and the Assistant Coach Expose Rayon Sports?

It was a disappointing night for Rayon Sports and their fans on Tuesday, January 28, 2024, as they were knocked out by Police FC following a 1-1 draw in regular time before losing in the penalty shootout.

Rayon Sports played this match without some of their key figures, including their captain Muhire Kevin and assistant coach Quanane Sellami. Their absence was evident in the team’s performance as they struggled against Police FC.

Brazilian coach Robertinho led the team, but his tactical decisions indicated the absence of his assistant, Quanane Sellami, was a big setback. Some of his choices suggested that he lacked the support of an assistant coach, which may have impacted the team's strategy.

On the field, Rayon Sports also missed the influence of their captain, Muhire Kevin, who usually controls the game from midfield. Police FC took advantage of this gap and dominated the midfield, disrupting Rayon Sports' buildup play and preventing them from effectively attacking.

Rayon Sports started the match with Khadime Ndiaye, Serumogo Ali, Bugingo Hakim, Yousou Diagne, Omar Gning, Kanamugire Roger, Niyonzima Olivier, Adama Bagayogo, Rukundo Abdulhaman, Fall Ngagne, and Iraguha Hadji.

Despite conceding only one goal, the absence of Muhire Kevin had a significant impact on coach Robertinho’s tactics. Midfielder Adama Bagayogo was deployed on the wing instead of his usual central role, a decision that failed to yield results.

The attacking midfield position (number 10), usually occupied by Muhire Kevin, was filled by Burundian Rukundo Abdulhaman. Although talented, Rukundo couldn’t replicate Kevin’s usual contributions. Unlike Kevin, who orchestrates attacks and links midfield to the forwards, Rukundo’s style is more direct, focusing on scoring rather than playmaking.

As a result, Rayon Sports' forwards Fall Ngagne, Adama Bagayogo, and Iraguha Hadji struggled to get enough quality service, limiting their attacking threats. The lack of offensive support made Police FC more confident, as they frequently pressed forward, posing more danger in front of Rayon Sports’ goal.

Additionally, some Rayon Sports players appeared unsettled, leading to unnecessary mistakes. Goalkeeper Khadime Ndiaye received a red card after striking Police FC's Byiringiro Lague, reducing Rayon Sports to 10 men.

During the penalty shootout, Rayon Sports' poor mentality became evident. Out of the four penalties they took, only one converted by Serumogo Ali found the back of the net. The other three, taken by Omar Gning, Aziz Bassane, and Yousou Diagne, were all saved by the Police FC goalkeeper.

The absence of assistant coach Quanane Sellami was also felt in the penalty shootout, as coach Robertinho seemingly lacked tactical support in selecting the right penalty takers. Three of the four penalties were taken by defenders, with only one finding the target. The team appeared to lack confidence, leading to Aziz Bassane missing the fourth penalty, sealing their elimination.

Quanane Sellami had been granted leave to attend to family matters in Tunisia, shortly after Robertinho also returned from a holiday in Brazil. His absence in this crucial match left Robertinho without his usual tactical assistant, which was evident in some of the team’s strategic shortcomings.

In conclusion, the absence of both Muhire Kevin and assistant coach Quanane Sellami was clearly felt, as Rayon Sports struggled to dominate midfield, lacked attacking creativity, and ultimately bowed out of the competition in a disappointing fashion.

Rayon Sports was eliminated by Police FC in the Heroes Cup on penalties

The absence of Rayon Sports' assistant coach affected coach Robertinho's planning and preparation in the match where they were eliminated by Police FC

The absence of Muhire Kevin in Rayon Sports' midfield affected the team's ability to link passes from defense to the forwards