Peace cup title contenders AS Kigali and Rayon Sports settled for a 1-1 draw in their semi-final first leg tie in this year’s Peace Cup at Kigali Regional Stadium, yesterday.
Peace Cup: semi finals
Friday
Second Leg
APR FC vs Espoir FC (Kigali Regional Stadium, 15:30)Rayon Sports vs AS Kigali (Muhanga Regional Stadium, 15:30)
First leg
Espoir FC 0-0 APRAS Kigali 1-1 Rayon Sports
Peace cup title contenders AS Kigali and Rayon Sports settled for a 1-1 draw in their semi-final first leg tie in this year’s Peace Cup at Kigali Regional Stadium, yesterday.
In the other semi-final match, APR FC and Rusizi FC failed to find each others’ net in Rusizi, ensuring that all the four teams head into their respective second leg fixtures on Friday gunning for a spot in the final slated for July 4.
In Kigali, the match started on a bright note for Rayon Sports with Burundian Pierrot Kwizera giving them an early lead after 13 minutes into the game. This lifted the Blues’ spirits and they went on to dictate play throughout the first half, only to be let down by several players who failed to make the most of the opportunities that came their way.
However, Eric Nshimiyimana’s team dominated in the second half and their improved showing was rewarded when striker Onesme Twizerimana came off the bench to score the equalizer in the 79th minute.
Then, Erneste Sugira missed a glorious chance to score the winner after his close range effort hit the cross bar just before the final whistle, allowing Rayon Sports to avoid defeat and return home with a precious away goal heading into the return leg.
A goalless draw in the corresponding fixture will see Rayon Sports, who were the away side in yesterday’s match, reach the final while AS Kigali will need to score an away goal to stand a chance of booking their third Peace Cup final in history.
In Rusizi, APR FC failed to make the most of their superior ball possession as hosts Espoir FC kept their hopes for a final spot alive ahead of the return league in Kigali.
The final will be played on the occasion of the Liberation Day on July 4.
Rayon Sports and AS Kigali will play their return leg on Friday from Muhanga Regional Stadium, while APR FC will host Espoir FC at Kigali Regional Stadium.
The winner of this year’s Peace Cup tournament will represent Rwanda at next year’s CAF Orange Confederation Cup.
editorial@newtimes.co.rw