Monday Rayon Sports vs SC Kiyovu SC Villa vs Gicumbi Saturday Gicumbi 1-2 SC Kiyovu SC Villa 1-1 Rayon Sports Friday Mukura 3-1 Bukavu Dawa After booking their place in the semi-finals, AS Kigali head coach Eric Nshimiyimana has tipped his side to win the inaugural StarTimes-sponsored Christmas Cup. The national football league leaders, AS Kigali, sealed the semi-finals spot after winning their first two games in Group B—they were due to face Mukura (three points) in the last group game on Sunday at Kicukiro stadium. Nshimiyimana’s team defeated DR Congo side Bukavu Dawa 5-0 and Police FC 3-1, to leave the later in second position with three points and one more game against Bukavu Dawa. AS Kigali dominated Andre Casa Mbungo’s side with goals coming through Hamidou Ndayisaba, Amini Muzerwa and Hamdan Bariyanga while Danny Usengimana scored the consolation goal for Police FC, who are second in the national league table standing. In another match played on Friday, Mukura trounced winless Bukavu Dawa 4-1, thanks to goals from Ibrahim Nshimiyimana, Christophe Ndayishimiye and Mhajiri Hakizimana. Former Mukura forward Hakim Zacky netted for Bukavu Dawa. “Our aim was to win our games because it brings the winning mentality in the team. I believe that this competition will help keep the players in competitive mood before the league returns (on December 11).” Nshimiyimana said. The former APR and Amavubi Stars coach added, “We will go game by game and see where we will be at the end, but our aim is to win the tournament because it will help to retain our rhythm even in the league.” On Saturday, tournament organisers, Rayon Sports drew 1-1 against Villa Sports Club. Olave Gahonzire scored for the Blues’ while Misi Katende netted for the Ugandan side. While in same group, Jean Marie Vianney Kidega and Suleiman Kakira were on target as SC Kiyovu beat Gicumbi FC 2-1. David Ndihabwe netted for Emmanuel Ruremesha’s side. Rayon Sports and SC Kiyovu jointly lead the group with four points while SC Villa have two points after drawing 2-2 against SC Kiyovu and Rayon Sports. Gicumbi remain bottom of the group with a single point.
