Peace Cup: AS Kigali target second round berth ahead of Etincelles tie
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
AS Kigali will host Etincelles FC at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday, December 27. Courtesy

AS Kigali go into the second leg of their Peace Cup preliminary second leg game with Etincelles at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday, December 27, hoping to advance to the next round.

Cameroonian forward Felix Kone scored the lone goal to hand the Citizens a 1-0 win over Etincelles in the first leg at Umuganda Stadium on December 20 and they are home and dry for another victory should they get their acts together in Kigali.

AS Kigali paraded a full house in the first leg with the exception of skipper Latif Bishira who was not in the match day squad. The experienced defender is expected to be back in action in the game on Wednesday

They will however be without their goalkeeper Pascal Niyonkuru who was sent off in the first leg at the Umuganda Stadium.

Etincelles will, on the other hand, be hoping that players such as Sadjat Niyonkuru and Congolese midfielder Justin Makuta Kakule have a good day in order to push the team forward as they hope to overturn the first leg deficit.

The likes of Erisa Keith Ssekisambu, Aime Ntirushwa and Fiston Ishimwe will be leading AS Kigali’s forward line as they aim to progress in a competition they have previously won three times.

AS Kigali start as firm favourites but they could be shocked if they don't avoid complacency.

ALSO READ: Peace Cup: Kone scores winner as AS Kigali overcome Etincelles

Other Games

Elsewhere, Bugesera FC will welcome Amagaju to Nyamata. The first leg in Huye ended 2-1 in favor of Francis Haringingo’s side. .

At Nyagatare Stadium, Sunrise FC, who paraded a virtually second string team in their 1-1 first leg draw with Ivoire Olympic are expected to name their full squad as they host the second tier side in Nyagatare. Star striker Samson Babuwa who did not feature in the first leg will be leading the attack for the Eastern Province-based side.

Gorilla FC buried Intare FC by 3-1 scoreline and they are set to repeat the dose when they host the second tier club in the return leg fixture.

Meanwhile, Gasogi United were held to a goalless draw by Tsinda Batsinde in the first leg and the Primus National League team will be looking to overcome the second tier minnows in the second leg.

Kamonyi FC will also be aiming to build on their 2-1 victory over United Stars and complete a double as they travel away for the return leg.