Rayon Sports delivered a composed second-half performance to defeat Bugesera FC 2-0 at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Tuesday night, setting up a dramatic final-day showdown with Kiyovu Sports in the race for a CAF Confederation Cup place.

Under pressure after losing both the league title and the Peace Cup to rivals APR FC last weekend, Rayon knew victory was essential to keep their continental ambitions alive — and they responded in front of a lively crowd in Nyamirambo.

The first half was tense and closely contested, with Bugesera frustrating Rayon through disciplined defending and quick transitions whenever they regained possession.

Although Rayon dominated possession, they struggled to create clear-cut chances despite strong support from fans eager for a response following the painful Peace Cup defeat.

The breakthrough finally came in the 61st minute when striker Asman Ndikumana rose to the occasion and opened the scoring.

The forward found space inside the box and finished calmly, sparking celebrations among the home supporters and easing the tension around the stadium.

Bugesera attempted to push forward in search of an equaliser, but Rayon remained defensively organised while becoming increasingly dangerous on the counterattack as the match opened up in the closing stages.

Their patience paid off in stoppage time.

Substitute Aziz Bassane sealed the victory in the 90th minute after a swift counterattack that began deep inside Rayon’s own half. Gloire Tambwe surged forward before delivering a perfectly weighted pass for Bassane, who finished clinically to secure all three points.

The victory leaves Rayon Sports on 55 points, three ahead of second-placed Kiyovu Sports heading into the final round of fixtures.

With APR already completing a domestic double by winning both the league and the Peace Cup, the battle for second place has become the final route to CAF Confederation Cup qualification.

The race will now be decided on Friday when Rayon face Kiyovu Sports in a high-stakes encounter.

Rayon head into the decisive clash with the advantage after winning the first-round meeting 2-0 earlier this season.

According to league regulations, head-to-head results will determine the standings if teams finish level on points.

As a result, Rayon will qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup with a win, a draw, or even a one-goal defeat.

Kiyovu, meanwhile, must beat Rayon by at least two goals to snatch second place on the final day of the season.