Djuda Umwaliwase’s stunning free kick in the 78thminute proved decisive as AS Kigali WFC beat Rayon Sports WFC 1-0 in the Peace Cup semifinal first leg held at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday, April 17. The win saw the Citizens put one leg in the Peace Cup final as the club considers the silverware as a consolation for their disappointing season during which they lost the league title to the Blues. ALSO READ: Rayon Sports WFC clinch 2024 women’s league title It was the trophy holders who started the game brightly as they dominated ball possession in early minutes. Rayon Sports WFC, on the other hand, seemed to be flagging, struggling to cope with their rivals’ high pressing which affected their playing style as they were unable to create decent chances either. The Blues could have conceded two goals in a space of 15 minutes as AS Kigali forward Zawadi Usanase twice found herself one-on-one with stopper Claudine Itangishaka in the box in the 20th and 34th minutes respectively only to see her two glorious efforts hit the post to the relief of the away side. Itangishaka’s performance in the first half not only kept Rayon in the game but it also left AS Kigali frustrated as they failed the find the back of the net. The Citizens' frustration mounted as they sought a breakthrough against their resolute opponents. In a rare moment of offensive promise for Rayon Sports WFC, midfielder Dorothee Mukeshimana threaded a precise through ball to Libellée Nibagwire, whose attempt was thwarted by AS Kigali WFC's goalkeeper Angelique Ndakimana in a daring display of shot-stopping prowess in the 45th minute. Rayon’s only chance of the first half proved fruitless, but their resolve was admirable in the face of AS Kigali’s dominance. In the second half, AS Kigali WFC resumed their midfield mastery, smothering Rayon Sports WFC's advances as their opponent resorted to long balls in attempts to connect with striker Jeanine Mukandayisenga but she was nullified by AS Kigali’s captain, Gloria Sifa Nibagwire, who largely kept her anonymous throughout the game. After a series of missed opportunities, AS Kigali WFC finally broke deadlock in the 78th minute as Djuda Umwaliwase expertly curled a direct free kick into the far top corner, giving her side a long-awaited lead. Odette Ngwema almost doubled the lead in the 90th minute, only to send the ball sailing over the crossbar. The Citizens had come close to putting the game out of Rayon's reach, but their slender 1-0 advantage would have to suffice as referee blew the final whistle. The Peace Cup holders know well that their lead can’t guarantee them a spot in the Peace Cup final and they will have sweat for it when Rayon Sports WFC welcome them for the second leg at Skol Stadium in Nzove on Wednesday, April 24.
