A second-half penalty from Lague Byiringiro proved decisive as Police FC edged Rayon Sports 1–0 in a tense Heroes Cup semifinal at Kigali Pele Stadium, booking their place in the final.
Rayon Sports started with Olivier Kwizera in goal and were captained by Emmanuel Nshimiyimana, who marshalled the defence alongside Emery Bayisenge, Ramazani Tshimanga Tshilemi, and Ben Aziz Dao. The midfield featured Faustin Likaj Kitoko and Abedi Bigirimana, while Asman Ndikumana and Ngagne Fall led the attack.
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Police FC lined up with Onesime Rukundo between the posts, with captain Eric Nsabimana anchoring the backline alongside David Chimezie and Christian Ishimwe. Leonard Gakwaya and Simeon Iradukunda controlled midfield duties, while Elijah Ani led the line, supported by Alain Kwitonda and Lague Byiringiro.
Police made a strong start and could have taken the lead within the opening 20 minutes. In the 16th minute, Ani found himself through on goal but was denied by an excellent save from Kwizera. Two minutes later, Ani was again one-on-one with the Rayon goalkeeper, who stood firm to make another crucial stop.
The first half was briefly disrupted in the 34th minute when Eze was forced off injured and replaced by Ndayishimiye. Seven minutes of added time followed, but both teams went into the break locked at 0–0.
Police resumed on the front foot after halftime, with Kwizera once again keeping Rayon in the contest. In the 55th minute, the Amavubi international produced a superb save to tip Christian Ishimwe’s curling free kick away from the far top corner.
The breakthrough arrived in the 67th minute when Police were awarded a penalty after Tshimanga handled the ball on the goal line. Byiringiro stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, sending Kwizera the wrong way.
Rayon responded by pushing forward and came close to an equaliser in the 73rd minute when Dao delivered a dangerous cross from the left, but Ndikumana narrowly failed to connect at the far post.
With nine minutes of added time indicated, Rayon threw everything forward. Their final opportunity came in the 90 7th minute, when Ndikumana cut inside from the right edge of the box and aimed for the far bottom corner, only to see his effort drift just wide.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 1–0 victory for Police FC, sealing their place in the Heroes Cup final.
Police FC will now face APR FC on Sunday at Kigali Pele Stadium. APR reached the final after a 3–0 win over AS Kigali at the same venue.