Emmanuel Okwi rediscovers scoring form as AS Kigali forward’s golden boot charge intensifies

Former Uganda Cranes striker Emmanuel Okwi continues to roll back the years with his dazzling form in the Rwanda Premier League, proving that age is just a number when class is permanent.

Since retiring from international football in March this year, Okwi has found a new lease on life at AS Kigali, where he is not just leading the line but also the team as captain.

On Monday evening, the seasoned forward once again made his presence felt, netting the opener in AS Kigali’s 2-0 victory over bottom-placed Vision FC at the Kigali Pele Stadium.

Okwi struck in the 53rd minute to hand “The Citizens” the advantage before Jean Bosco Akayezu sealed the result in the 73rd minute, solidifying AS Kigali’s push to finish strong in the league.

The goal took Okwi’s tally to eight for the season, placing him firmly in the Golden Boot conversation.

Only two players have scored more than the former Uganda Cranes captain and that is Rayon Sports’ Ngagne Fall with 12 goals and Umar Abba of Bugesera who has nine. Okwi shares third place with APR’s Djibril Cheick Ouattara, both on eight goals.

In comparison, fellow Ugandan striker Denis Omedi, highly rated and in his debut season with APR FC, has only scored three league goals, five fewer than the prolific Okwi.

Despite their solid form, AS Kigali’s title hopes remain slim. With only four games left in the season, they sit third on the 16-team table with 44 points from 26 matches, 13 wins, five draws, and eight losses. However, they have played one more game than both title challengers above them.

Rayon Sports currently top the standings with 53 points, closely trailed by Peace Cup champions APR on 52, making the title race a tightly contested affair.

For AS Kigali, their hopes may be faint, but with Okwi in this kind of form, anything remains possible