Kagame Cup Semi-finals (yesterday) Atraco 1-3 St.George Third place playoff (Saturday) Sofapaka vs Atraco Final St.George vs APR St.George earned the right to face APR in the Kagame Cup final after thrashing defending champions Atraco 3-1 at a fairly packed Amahoro stadium last evening. The Ethiopians looked sharp from the first minute and their early dominance paid off in the 20th minute when striker Adane Girma was left unmarked to tap in from close range. Atraco made a change 10 minutes later when David Kamoga came on for the ineffective Yahya Seburungo, but there was minimal effect as the first half ended 1-0. In the second half, the taxi-men side upped their game and on the 48th minute, Sam Timbe’s team won a penalty when winger Jabir Mutarambirwa’s cross hit St.George defender Jean Claude Amougo’s arm. Berch Bamuma converted the penalty to send a fairly packed Amahoro stadium into frenzy. There after, Atraco starting imposing themselves on the game but strikers Jean Lomami and Dady Birori missed easy chances. On the 90th minute, Lomami wasted what would later prove to be a costly chance after shooting straight at St.George keeper Samson Assefa. With the score level (1-1) after full time, the match would be decided in extra time and with fatigue taking its toll on the Atraco defence, St. George seized the moment as Salahadin Said and Adane Girma netted two quick goals to quash Atraco’s dream of becoming the first Rwandan side to defend the title. Despite the defeat, Timbe insisted that it was an achievement for his team to reach the semi-final after losing eight first team players last season. “Our defending was not up to the task today but credit to the team for reaching the semis. It is a commendable effort considering the fact that we lost so many players in the transfer window,” the Ugandan, who has been linked with Rayon Sport said. St.George Coach Mitcho Sredojveic heaped further praise on Timbe for managing to win the region’s top prize with three different teams. “He (Timbe) is an excellent coach. I worked with him at SC Villa and he deserves special praise for winning the Cup three times.” St. George will now play APR in Saturday’s final. Ends
