Five things we learnt from Peace Cup semifinals
Thursday, May 11, 2023
SC Kiyovu skipper Yves Kimenyi interacts with APR FC players a 1-1 draw at Bugesera Stadium on Wednesday, May 10. Photo by Olivier Mugwiza

The midweek Peace Cup semi final first leg games were shaped by some wonderful displays, entertaining goals and ill-tempered moments worth noting.

Rayon Sports came from 2-0 down to defeat Mukura Victory 3-2 in Huye whereas Kiyovu Sports proved to be a bogey side for APR this season as they held the army side to a 1-1 draw at Bugesera Stadium.

Weekend Sport brings you five things we learnt from the action-packed encounters.

Serumogo's moment of brilliance

How I wish to see Serumogo's spectacular display go more viral! The Kiyovu defender did exactly what former Real Madrid captain Fernando Redondo did to Henning Berg in the 52nd minute at Old Trafford on April 19, 2000 in a UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg game which is embedded in the competitions history as one of the best individual moments of display.

In a swift counter attack in the 72nd minute, a superb pass from the buildup found a marauding Serumogo on the right flank. He majestically nicked the ball through the legs of APR's Christian Ishimwe who found himself crawling on the ground after which he darted and recovered the ball before delivering an exquisite cross which resulted in the equalizer.

Serumogo's period of genius will go down as one of the greatest moments of the 2022 Peace Cup campaign.

Onana can’t stop scoring

Currently, Leandre Willy Onana Essomba is currently in form of his life and he would only be glad to see his incredible goal scoring run rewarded with either the Peace Cup silverware, which is by far the most likely Rayon can win this season.

If Onana gets his day, expect Rayon Sports to win. The Cameroonian has been the live wire of the Blues and has been very key to their fortunes.

He saved Rayon again on Wednesday with the last-gasp winner that completed the Blues’ 3-2 dramatic comeback victory against Mukura.

Mugisha loses his cool towards referee

APR midfielder Bonheur Mugisha could face charges over his misconduct towards assistant referee Didier Ishimwe during his side’s 1-1 draw against Kiyovu on Wednesday.

Mugisha was seen head-butting Ishimwe as he led his teammates and the technical staff to protest the referee’s decision to rule out what would have been the military side’s injury time winner.

The midfielder was not booked for the offense but he was quick to apologize for his misconduct right after the match.

Mugisha risks being suspended from playing the second lead should the FA consider imposing charges on him.

Mukura flattered to deceive

The Huye-based side dominated Rayon extensively in the first half and were ahead with a 2-0 lead before half time.

But the home side had a second half to forget with Rayon scoring three goals to win the semifinal first leg tie 3-2 and complete a dramatic comeback.

From the time being, though football defies logic, it was evidently clear that Mukura threw away their home advantage and let Rayon take control of the last four and put one step to the final.

Kiyovu increasingly targeting to win double

Kiyovu Sports’ main focus may be on winning their first league title in 30 years, but Alain-Andre Landeut’s side are showing no signs of getting their hands off the Peace Cup either.

They have been outstanding this season and have shown a real winning mentality.

Going down against APR, through Alain Kwitonda's 23rd minute opener, they regrouped and came all out firing from all angles until they equalized.

Knocking APR FC out of the Peace Cup would no doubt see them start dreaming of a double.