Lawrence Juma shines on debut in Rwanda as AS Kigali win season opener

Harambee Stars international Lawrence Juma had a perfect start to life in the Rwandan top flight league as he emerged victorious on his very first league start with his new side AS Kigali.

Thrusted in the starting XI by former AFC Leopards and Bandari head coach Andre Cassa Mbungo, who took over the reins at the club after his exit from Kenyan football, Juma helped his side to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Etincelles in the 2022/2023 season opening game.

In the match staged at the Kigali Stadium, a first half brace from Burundian international Shabani Hussein helped Kigali get the first win of the season that placed them at the top of the table with other sides yet to play.

The 31 year old found the opener in the 33rd minute and only needed five minutes to seal the brace as Juma provided the assist to the second goal which steered the team to victory.

While Juma got his first league appearance in Rwanda, the same could not be said for Kenyan goalkeeper Fredrick Odhiambo who also plies his trade at AS Kigali as he was not named in the match day squad.

The pair made the switch to the Rwandese side from Sofapaka at the tail end of July 2022, with each of them penning a two-year deal.

Juma and Odhiambo have already bagged their first title in Rwanda as AS Kigali side outwitted reigning league champions APR 5-3 on post-match penalties to clinch the Rwanda Super Cup which acts as the season’s curtain raiser.

Juma in action © AS KIgali

AS Kigali will also be playing in the 2022/2023 CAF Confederation Cup where they will take on Djibouti Telecom of Djibouti in the preliminary round.

Still in Rwanda, Kenyan coach Frank Ouna will be on the touchline as his Musanze FC take on APR in the opening match in the late kick off at 1930EAT.