Farouk Ssentongo’s first half strike made the difference for Bugesera FC who pulled a rare shock at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday, April 17, when they stunned Rayon Sports 1-0 in a the 2023/24 Peace Cup semifinals first leg encounter. The result put Rayon's hopes of retaining the Cup in serious doubt as they have a mount to climb and turn the result in the first leg in Bugesera enough to qualify for the final. The Blues were favorites on paper to win the tie but the pitch proved the opposite with their Burundian Francis Haringingo coming back to haunt the team he helped to beat APR FC in the final and lift the Cup during the 2022/23 season. Rayon coach Julien Mette paraded his usual arsenals with the likes of skipper Kevin Muhire, striker Charles Bbaale, Arsene Tuyisenge and Eric Ngendahimana all in the fray. After both teams had warmed themselves into the game, Bugesera FC shot ahead in the 28th minute through a fantastic finish from Farouk Ssentongo. The goal ignited the fire power in Mette’s charges as they bumped forward on several occasions but Haringingo’s defense marshalled around Stephen Bonney was outstanding as they thwarted most of their efforts. After recess, Paul Gomis was introduced for Charles Bbaale to add bite to the Blues’ attack but the Senegalese was a pale shadow of himself as he failed to exert his influence on the game. Bugesera defended deeply and tried to catch Rayon on the counter with surging long balls to Kennedy Hoziyana and Gilbert Dushimimana although they were squandered at both occasions. Despite Rayon coming into the game strongly in the dying minutes of regulation time, Bugesera FC defended gallantly as more men dropped back. The game ended in favor of the visitors who traveled back to Nyamata with a crucial 1-0 lead with which they not only defend but also extend as they hope to play the second leg against Rayon before their home supporters at Bugesera Stadium on April 24
