Vipers SC endured a humbling evening in Kigali, slumping to a 1-4 defeat against Rayon Sport in a high-tempo friendly at Pele Stadium on Monday.
The Ugandan giants made a dream start, silencing the home crowd within two minutes. Moses Waiswa unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the area after Gusto Mulongo’s clever layoff, giving Vipers an early lead.
But that early spark faded quickly as Rayon Sport grew into the contest, relentlessly pressing Vipers’ backline. Goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu momentarily kept the visitors ahead with a superb reflex save midway through the first half, denying a point-blank effort that had goal written all over it.
The reprieve didn’t last. In the 34th minute, Yves Habimana pounced to level the score, sparking celebrations in the stands. Vipers’ troubles deepened moments before halftime when a costly error from Taddeo Lwanga gifted possession to Gloire Tambwe, who slotted home with composure to turn the game on its head.
A frustrating evening in Kigali for our last pre-season test in Rwanda.
Despite taking an early lead we weren’t quite at the races today and Rayon Sport FC took full advantage.
Back home tomorrow to continue with our preparations. #VenomsUpdates || #OneTeamOneDream || pic.twitter.com/m2fLsJekYC
— 𝐕𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 (@VipersSC) September 1, 2025
The second half saw Rayon Sport firmly in control, their slick passing and energy overwhelming a sluggish Vipers side. Asman Ndikumana delivered the highlight of the match with a sumptuous free kick in the 70th minute, curling the ball beyond Kiggundu to make it 3-1.
Any faint hopes of a Vipers comeback evaporated nine minutes later when Iduhaye Ndikumana latched onto a loose ball to fire home the fourth, sealing a commanding win for the Rwandan club and leaving Vipers to reflect on a sobering performance.
