Rayon Sports booked their ticket to the 2024/25 Peace Cup quarterfinals after beating Rutsiro FC 4-1 across two legs in the round of 16. Having won 2-1 in the first leg at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu, the Blues again defeated the Western Province-based side 2-0 in the second leg of the round of 16 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Tuesday, February 18 courtesy of second half goals from Omborenga Fitina and Aziz Basane. Rayon head coach Robertinho paraded his full squad with Fall Ngagne leading the attack as Iraguha Hadji and Adama Bagayogo operated from the flanks. Meanwhile, Moussa Gatera’s Rutsiro FC were without their top scorer Yves Habimana who wasn't in the match day squad, hence Congolese duo of Jonas and Jeremie Mumbele leading the forward line. ALSO READ: Peace Cup: We need to wake up - AS Kigali coach ahead of Etincelles tie The first half was keenly contested as Gatera mapped up strategies to contain Rayon's fearsome attack. Ngagne had a couple of decent chances but the visitors’ defence, led by Jean Kabura, kept him at bay. Right-back Ombrorenga fired Rayon ahead in the 60th minute as they took control of the game after half time by extending their lead 3-1 on aggregate. Substitute Aziz Bassane then made it 2-0 in the 80th minute as Rayon knocked Rutsiro FC out to cement their spot in the quarterfinals. Elsewhere, striker Agyenim Boateng Mensah scored an 82nd minute winner as Mukura Victory Sports beat Intare FC 1-0 at Huye Stadium. The Black and Yellow side sailed through the quarterfinals with a 2-0 aggregate victory, having won the first leg 1-0. Also in Nyamata, Peace Cup 2024 runners-up Bugesera FC were eliminated from the competition after losing the two-legged tie at the hands of Amagaju FC Francis Haringingo’s side were held to goalless draw by Amagaju at Bugesera Stadium but the visitors qualified on a 2-1 aggregate after winning the first leg in Huye. Despite playing a 1-all draw with AS Muhanga, Gasogi grabbed their ticket to the quarter finals on a 3-1 aggregate. More fixtures will be played on Wednesday; February 19 as follow: APR vs Musanze Police vs Nyanza Gorilla FC vs City Boys Vision vs AS Kigali
