Quarter-finals (first-leg)
Wednesday
EtincellesVs Police 15:00
AS Kigali Vs Gasogi 15:00
Thursday
Rayon Vs Gicumbi15:00
Intare Vs Kiyovu 15:00
ALAIN Kirasa is confident his SC Kiyovu side can claim the 2019 Peace Cup top prize after eliminating holders Mukura in the round of last-16 over the weekend.
The Mumena-based side – who have not won any major silverware since their 1993 league title success – face second division outfit Intare FC in quarter-finals.
The first-leg is scheduled for Thursday, while the decisive clash will be played Sunday.
"By easing past the holders; we manifestly showed our hunger for the title and, proved that we are able to win against anyone,” Kirasa told Times Sport on Tuesday.
The other quarter-finalists are; Intare, Etincelles, Police, AS Kigali, Gasogi United, Rayon Sports, and Gicumbi qualified for the last eight of the 2019 Peace Cup.
Kiyovu set date with Intare for a berth to the last eight after seeing off Mukura 3-2 on aggregate despite losing the return-leg 1-0 at Mumena Stadium. Thanks to their comfortable 3-1 in the first-leg last Wednesday.
He added: "Intare are a good team with young and quick players. The game is going to be tough, but I am faith in my players. We are determined to overcome every challenge all the way to the title.”
Kirasa, a former Burundi international, guided the Green Baggies to a fifth spot finish in the recently concluded 2018/2019 Azam Rwanda Premier League despite financial hardships that saw former coach Andre Casa Mbungo departing the club last October.
Gasogi out to dent AS Kigali
In the meantime, Gasogi United will be seeking to defy the odds to a spot to semi-finals when they face AS Kigali in the two sides’ first-leg at Kigali Stadium on Wednesday. Kick-off 3pm.
Tactician Marcel Lomami and his youngsters reached the quarter-finals after eliminating fellow second tier side Rwamagana City, while Jean de Dieu Mateso’s AS Kigali sensationally sent APR packing.
Speaking to this publication on Wednesday, Lomami said that his young guns were in great form and did not fear the ‘favourite status’ of their opponents.
"We are injury-free, and we are ready to stop high-flying AS Kigali. We won’t be intimidated by the fact that they are considered as favourites.
We will just focus on executing well our game plan,” he said.
In another match Wednesday afternoon, Etincelles host the 2015 winners, Police FC, at Umuganda Stadium.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com