Saturday Final AS Kigali vs Mukura 3:30pm Third place Rayon Sports vs SC Kiyovu 1pm Thursday Semi-finals AS Kigali 1-0 SC KiyovuRayon Sports 0-1 Mukura Rwanda national football league leaders AS Kigali will face Mukura Victory Sports in the final of the inaugural StarTimes Christmas Cup on Saturday at Kicukiro stadium. Nine-man Mukura stunned tournament organisers Rayon Sports 1-0 on Thursday, thanks to Mhadjiri Hakizimana’s lone strike at Kicukiro stadium. Hakizimana, a young brother of national team captain Haruna Niyonzima, was later sent off for a second bookable office while his teammate Hussein Habimana was also red carded later but Mukura still held on to reach the final. In the other semi-final, Eric Nshimiyimana’s AS Kigali beat SC Kiyovu 1-0 thanks in part to a great performance from man of the match goalkeeper Shamiru Batte, who pulled off several stunning saves throughout the match at Mumena stadium in Nyamirambo. The Uganda-born goalkeeper was at his best as he commanded the defence with confidence and made great saves in the match. Jean Pierre Akili Mabula scored as early as the third minute for AS Kigali. The champions will walk away with Rwf5 million beside the trophy, while losing finalists will get Rwf2.5 million with the team that finishes third taking home Rfw1.5 million. The best referee of the tournament will receive Rwf300, 000, while the best coach and best player will each get Rwf250,000. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
