AS Muhanga, Isonga FC battle in race for return to topflight

SundaySemi-final: First legIsonga FC vs AS Muhanga 3:30pmRwamagana City vs Miroplast FC One of either Isonga FC and AS Muhanga will be matching towards a return to the national league next season when two former topflight sides lock horns in the second division playoffs semi-final, first leg on Sunday at Ferwafa ground in Remera. The two sides are seeking to secure one of the two promotion spots available to replace the two teams that will be relegated next weekend when the curtains fall on the 2016/17 football season. The team that progresses to the final after the second leg next week will automatically be promoted to the topflight league for the 2017/18 season—they will be joined by the winner of the other semi-final between another former topflight side Rwamagana City FC and Miroplast FC. The 2013 Peace Cup finalist AS Muhanga, who are coached by Abdu Mbarushimana, have had an impressive season that saw them finished unbeaten in Group A with 48 points after winning 14 and drawing six of their 20 matches in the regular season. The Southern Province-based side are the only team yet to lose a single game in the second division this season. In the quarter-finals, they defeated Rugende FC 3-2 away before a goalless draw in the second leg hence advancing to the semi-finals on a 3-2 aggregate score. Meanwhile, Isonga FC finished second in Group B behind Miroplast with 44 points after winning 13, drawing five and losing two of their 20 matches. In the quarter-finals, they overcame Vision FC over two legs 2-0 and 2-1 to advance on a 4-1 aggregate score. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Sports

AS Muhanga, Isonga FC battle in race for return to topflight