Masudi cautious ahead of Rayon’s tricky Cup semi-final against Espoir

Rayon Sport head coach Djuma Masudi has cautioned his players against any form of complacency when they visit Rusizi-based Espoir FC today in the semi-final first leg of this year’s Peace Cup that will be staged at Kamarampaka Stadium.

Saturday, June 24, 2017
Rayon Sports striker Shassir Nahimana fights for the ball with Espoir players in a recent game at Kamarampaka stadium. / Sam Ngendahimana

SundayPeace semi-finalFirst LegEspoir FC vs Rayon Sports 3:30pm

MondayAmagaju FC vs APR FC 3:30pm

Rayon Sport head coach Djuma Masudi has cautioned his players against any form of complacency when they visit Rusizi-based Espoir FC today in the semi-final first leg of this year’s Peace Cup that will be staged at Kamarampaka Stadium.

The Burundian tactician is vying to guide the blues to a double this season after winning this season’s Azam Rwanda Premier League title, two weeks ago.

The Peace Cup title holders Rayon cruised to the semi-final round after thrashing Police FC 6-1 on aggregate while Espoir FC who knocked out Marines on an away goals rule after both sides settled for a goalless draw in the return leg, after they had settled for a 1-all draw in Rubavu.

"We are playing against the best defending team in country so we must be ready and cautious to defend well but also look for away goal but usually the semi-final is always tougher than the final so it will a difficult game for us” Masudi said.

On the other hand, Espoir who seeking to reach their first ever Perace cup final have vowed not to throw the towel against Rayon and accoding to head coach Jimmy Ndizeye, they will be out to hand the defending champions a run for their Money.

"We are in good position to make it final and we have worked on everything possible to win the game, we are facing the best team in country but we are ready for the clash” he noted

In other semifinal former champions APR who eliminated Bugesera in quarters with 5-1 goal aggregate will visit Amagaju on Monday at Nyagisenyi turf in Nyamagabe for the first leg.

Amagaju knocked out 2013 Peace champions AS Kigali after both sides draw 1-1 away in Nyamagabe before another 2-all draw in Kigali to progress the Southern Province-based side on an away goal advantage.

The return leg is set for June 28 and the final is scheduled for July 4 on Liberation Day at Amahoro Stadium.