Tuesday

Rayon 2-2 AS Kigali (Pen: 1-3*)

Raymond Fosso converted the decisive spot kick as AS Kigali stunned Rayon Sports again to clinch their second Super Cup title on Tuesday at Amahoro Stadium.

The City of Kigali-sponsored side, who also beat Rayon on penalties en route to winning the Peace Cup in July, prevailed over the Blues 3-1 in the shootouts after both sides had played out a 2-2 draw in normal time.

Inspired by skipper Haruna Niyonzima in the midfield, AS Kigali started brightly and had a couple of chances thwarted by Rayon Sports goalie Yves Kimenyi, but it was the latter’s side that took the lead at the half-hour after AS Kigali defender Lafit Bishira scored an own goal while trying to clear a curling cross inside the area from Eric ‘Radou’ Iradukunda.

However, AS Kigali reacted quickly to equalise just after one minute following Farouk Ssentongo’s sublime first-time finish off a clever pass from Haruna.

In the 34th minute, Martel Mba Allongho fired the Peace Cup holders into the command with a powerful strike that left Kimenyi helpless in the far right corner. The first-half ended with AS Kigali leading 2-1.

Rayon had a clear-cut opportunity to level the matters just before the break when Jules Ulimwengu only had keeper Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye to beat but his effort went wide.

Returning for the second period, Rayon looked a much better team – and despite their former captain Bakame being fantastic in AS Kigali goal – and their purposeful play would finally bear fruit in the dying seconds of the match as Eric Rutanga was left unmarked to take the game to penalties.

As outstanding as he had been throughout the game, Bakame proved he remains one of the best goalkeepers in the country during the shootouts as he made two brilliant saves to propel Eric Nshimiyimana’s side to victory.

Out of four spot kicks, only centre-back Herve Rugwiro was the successful taker for Rayon, while talisman Michael Sarpong, Yannick Bizimana and Gilbert Mugisha all missed.

On the other hand, Tumaine Ntamuhanga, Niyonzima and Fosso converted for AS Kigali, whereas Janvier Benedata’s strike was saved by Kimenyi.

AS Kigali could have doubled their lead inside the final 15 minutes, but midfielder Eric Nsabimana’s strike was kept at bay by the impressive Kimenyi – who had also frustrated his teammates on several occasions – after he picked the ball up on the right flank and cut inside two defenders.

With Rayon missing the services of Fabrice Mugheni, his replacement Oumar Sidibe failed to make an impression as he was not allowed any breathing space by Bishira and Shaffy Songayingabo in the heart of AS Kigali defence.

On top of the trophy, AS Kigali also pocketed Rwf 5million in cash prize. The Nyamirambo-based side start the new 2019-20 league campaign against APR on Friday.

AS Kigali were also winners of the inaugural Super Cup in 2013, which they again lifted at the expense of Rayon Sports.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com