This exciting semi-final match took place on Wednesday at 7:30 PM at Stade Amahoro, following the first-leg clash at Huye International Stadium that ended as a 1-1 stalemate. The two teams battled fiercely to determine the winner of the Peace Cup semi-final series.
Rayon Sports’ starting lineup: Ndikuriyo Patient, Serumogo Ali, Bugingo Hakim, Omar Gning, Youssou Diagne, Souleymane Daffe, Kanamugire Roger, Muhire Kevin, Biramahire Abeddy, Aziz Bassane, and Rukundo Abdul Rahman.
Mukura VS’s starting lineup: Sebwato Nicholas, Abdul Jalilu, Ishimwe Abdoul, Hakizimana Zuberi, Uwumukiza Obed, Rushema Chris, Ntarindwa Aimable, Oladosu Samson, Jordan Dimbumba, Boateng Mensah, and Malanda Destin.
The match kicked off with Rayon Sports exerting early pressure, launching attacks led by Muhire Kevin and Aziz Bassane. Despite strong efforts, the Mukura VS defense remained resilient. At one point, a defensive error from Rayon Sports provided Malanda Destin a promising chance near the goal, but he failed to capitalize as their defense swiftly corrected the mistake.
In the 20th minute, Mukura VS had a golden opportunity as Boateng Mensah skillfully dribbled past defenders and found himself in front of the goal. A moment of hesitation cost him, and the ball was cleared for a corner. Gradually, Mukura VS began to hold possession and build momentum. Meanwhile, Rayon Sports’ Aziz Bassane kept pushing forward, creating scoring opportunities but struggling to convert them.
Rayon Sports almost broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Biramahire Abeddy struck a powerful shot from inside the box, only for the ball to hit the post. Before halftime, Mukura VS came close to scoring with a corner kick delivered by Uwumukiza Obed, and an accurate header from Jordan Dimbumba. However, Rayon Sports goalkeeper showcased excellent reaction to keep the score 0-0 at the break.
The second half saw Mukura VS come out fiercely, with Uwumukiza Obed providing a well-placed cross that was headed on target by Malanda Destin. Rayon Sports goalkeeper Ndikuriyo Patient made a crucial save to deny Mukura VS. Later, in the 59th minute, a lapse in Rayon Sports' defense almost opened the door for Mukura VS when Hakizimana Zuberi attempted to capitalize on a loose ball, but the opportunity went unfinished.
Responding to a player injury, Rayon Sports' coach Rwaka Claude substituted Kanamugire Roger for Niyonzima Olivier Sefu, reinforcing the team's framework in the midfield.
Things finally turned around for Rayon Sports in the 73rd minute. Muhire Kevin delivered a pinpoint pass to Serumogo Ally, who charged forward and sent in a dangerous cross inside the box. Biramahire Abeddy unleashed a powerful shot that Mukura VS goalkeeper Nicolas Sebwato initially deflected, but Abeddy persisted and drilled the ball into the net on the rebound, delivering the critical goal that secured the triumph.
The match concluded with Rayon Sports emerging victorious, 1-0, to advance to the Peace Cup final. With an aggregate score of 2-1, Rayon Sports eliminated Mukura VS and earned a spot for the championship match against APR FC, who ousted Police FC in their semi-final. The final clash is set to take place on Sunday, May 4.
Biramahire Abeddy celebrates his memorable goal to send Rayon Sports to the Peace Cup final.
Rayon Sports players rejoice after securing a historic spot in the Peace Cup final by defeating Mukura VS.