That Eye Media Agency

On Saturday 15^th June 2024, Rwanda Defence Force’s football team APR, played a friendly match against Rayon Sport at the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium ending in a goalless draw.

Photo ©️ New Times

Photo ©️ New Times

Two minutes just after that, Elie Kategaya twisted and turned Isaac Mitima but saw his final delivery lacking the needed finish as it went off target.

Yenga again with a glaring chance in the 11^th minute to put the Bahead but he failed to connect the ball into the net following a line cross from Elie Ganijuru with Pierre Ishimwe already beaten.

Rayon skipper Kevin Muhire who looked unplayable in midfield, missed the post by inches after creating space for himself around the 18-yard box in the 20th minute.

APR decided to soak pressure as Rayon did all the attacking. Coach Thierry Hitimana, who was on APR touchline, brought on Ramadhan Niyibizi for Elie Kategeya in the 28th minute in an attempt to add more bite to his attack.

Charles Bbaale crushed a ferocious free kick into the post in the 28th minute before Muhire also had an effort saved by APR shot stopper Pierre Ishimwe in the 35th minute.

The first half ended with the scores at 0-0 though Rayon Sport had created numerous goal scoring chances.

The second half saw the Blues continuing their dominance, pinning APR to their own half.

Bbaale saw his effort from Muhire’s corner kick in the 53rd minute being cleared off the line by Yunnusu Nshimiyimana who went down injured.

APR were mostly effective on the wings where Gilbert Mugisha and Alain Kwitonda Bacca operated as they used the pace and artistry of the duo to great effect.

Mugisha made way for Arsene Tuyisenge in the 76th minute as the former Rayon Sports player faced his former employers.

Rayon had the chance to break the deadlock in the 77th minute after an extraordinary pass from Muhire but Goalkeeper Ishimwe cleared before it reached Bbaale.

APR became very resolute at the back with Nshimiyimana putting the brakes on Rayon defense with great piece of defending.

Rayon Sports kept pressing but they could not find the back of the net as the game ended goalless.

 On Thursday, June 13^th 2024, Mount Kigali University had the privilege to host the diplomat which marked an event of immense bilateral moments for both the embassy and university.

HE Hazza Mohammed Falah Kharsan AlQahtani’s visit was in line with youth empowerment and recognition of exceptional students’ projects, including the ‘Smart Home’ and ‘Building A Greener Tomorrow’ projects. The projects showcased innovation and commitment to sustainability for a greener living environment. The diplomat emphasized on how the future belonged to the imaginative.

H.E Hazza Alqahtani speaking to the students and staff of Mount Kigali University

“The future belongs to those who can imagine and execute it. It’s not something you wait for, but rather create.”

Mugisha Junior Fredy whose team’s project stood out for its innovative approach to sustainable living as it focused on smart technology and eco-friendly solutions. The projects calls for a clear vision for a future where homes and buildings are not just living structures but active contributors to a healthier planet.

Ambassador Alqahtani with MKUR staff and the winner of the best innovative project

Beyond the awards, students had an opportunity to engage with HE Hazza Mohammed by asking questions bringing an exchange of ideas.

DVC ARA Dr Nkechi (left), and H.E Alqahtani awarding Uwase Novella (middle) as one of the best performing students

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to H.E. Hazza Mohammed for visiting us and hope this yields fruitful discussions concerning youth empowerment.”

The visit called for strengthening the relationship between the university and embassy in promoting a collaborative environment that empowers the youth and incentivises innovation.

The legendary state-of-the-art Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda that has been undergoing face-lifting works for the last 22 months, making it ready to now host big games.

Refurbishments works on the previously 25,000 seater complex started in August 2022 by the Turkish Global construction company SUMMA, uplifting its seating capacity to 45,000 seats. SUMMA also constructed the majestic up and running BK Arena.

The interior view of the renovated Amahoro Stadium ©️ New Times Rwanda

The ultramodern facility that is at a 96% completion progress is expected to host the 2024 Veterans Club World Championship slated for September 1-10, attracting over 100 football legends including legendary Ronaldinho and George Weah.

The exterior view of the renovated Amahoro Stadium ©️ That Eye

 Real Madrid sign France forward, Kylian Mbappe on free transfer after Paris Saint-Germain contract expiry.

The 25-year-old, who is PSG's record goalscorer with 256 goals in 308 appearances, has signed a five-year contract at the Bernabeu worth €15m (£12.8m) a year after tax.

A one-line statement from the European champions announcing Mbappe's arrival said: "Real Madrid CF and Kylian Mbappe have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons."

The 2018 World Cup winner joins just two days after Carlo Ancelotti's side won their 15th Champions League title to clinch the double, having also been crowned LaLiga champions. The Spanish giants have been long-term admirers of Mbappe and tried to sign him in 2022, but the forward committed to a new two-year deal at the Parc des Princes.

He will receive a signing-on bonus of just over £85m from Real, who will pay the fee in instalments over the duration of his contract.

As boss Carlo Ancelotti hoisted the giant trophy for a fifth time, Real won it for the 15th, the bold challenge of Borussia Dortmund overcome at Wembley with late goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.

Real stumbled around in a dreadful first-half performance, spooked by Dortmund's pace and intensity, living on their nerves as they somehow got to half-time level.

As Real are the Champions League's ruthless winning machine, with Ancelotti, they have a coach with the Midas touch, in charge of players who know how to get the job done.

They showed it again when Dortmund blinked 16 minutes from time, Carvajal meeting Toni Kroos' corner to glance a header beyond keeper Gregor Kobel and the hand of defender Mats Hummels, tempted to risk a red card to keep the effort out.

The game was up. Vinicius Jr swiftly added a second to ensure Real's supporters were able to enjoy triumph in the competition in which they are the dominant force.

The temptation is to label Real lucky, but it happens on too many occasions for this to be a justified description. A Wembley straw poll among neutrals at half-time would have come down firmly on the side of a Real victory.

©️ Anadolu Ajansi