Gatsibo, AS Kigali clinch ARS 2014 crowns

Sunday Final: Boys Gatsibo 1-1 Kayonza (pen 6-5) Girls AS Kigali 2-0 Mutara academy Third/ fourth place play-offs Boys Play4Hope 1-0 Top Guys Girls Rubavu 1-0 Kayonza Gatsibo and AS Kigali Football Academy teams claimed this year’s Airtel Rising Stars youth championships boys’ and girls’ titles on Sunday at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu District. Ten-man Gatsibo Football Academy won the boys title after beating Kayonza Sports Training Centre 6-5 in penalty shoot-outs following a 1-all draw in regular time. Gatsibo’s left-back Robert Mugabe was red-carded in the 77th minute for intentionally kicking an opponent. Kayonza team captain Derrick Manzi scored the opener in the 20th minute but Gatsibo’s 15-year-old Moussa Hitimana revived his side’s hopes for the title in the 58th minute with the equaliser. Eric Mugisha scored the winning penalty for Gatsibo. In the girls’ category, AS Kigali Women Football Academy U15 team, who eliminated Ruvabu in semi-finals, won the title after beating Mutara Academy of Muhanga District 2-0. Mutara Academy had seen off Kayonza in semi-finals. AS Kigali’s 13-year-old Uwitonze Nyirarukundo was the star of the day after netting a brace for the Kigali city-sponsored academy in the 68th and 86th minute respectively. Meanwhile, Play4Hope finished second runners-up after sealing a 1-0 victory over City of Kigali rivals Top Guys academy, thanks to Daniel Rwagitare’s lonely goal. Hosts Rubavu finished third in the girls category after a 1-0 victory against Kayonza. A total of 80 teams, including 48 boys’ and 32 girls’ teams took part in the second edition of the annual two-month long youth championships sponsored by Airtel Rwanda.