Thursday Kiyovu 2-0 Police SC Kiyovu took a giant step towards the Peace Cup final on Thursday as two second-half goals from Vincent Habamahoro and Armel Ghislain earned them a 2-0 semi-final first leg win over Police at Kigali Stadium. Alain Kirasa’s Green Baggies were noticeably the better side and could have scored at least twice in the first-half, but only settled for ball possession as forward Djuma Nizeyimana and Jean Claude Nizeyimana squandered a number of goal chances. The first-half ended goalless. Returning from the break, Kiyovu continued to control the proceedings and their pressing was rewarded with Habamahoro’s opener in the 59th minute before Ghislain’s strike, with 12 minutes to time, gave the hosts a two-goal advantage to defend in the return-leg on Sunday. Police, winners of the 2015 tournament, also created a number of glorious chances but forwards Dominique Antoine Ndayishimiye and Isaie Songa’s wastefulness combined with a well-organised Kiyovu defence ensured a clean sheet for young goalkeeper Djihad Nzeyurwanda. The law enforcers reached the last four after edging out Etincelles in quarter-finals while Kiyovu saw off second division outfit Intare. Both Kiyovu and Police are looking to end their 2018/2019 campaigns on a high after registering moderate performances in Azam Rwanda Premier League where they finished in fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Hopefuls Kiyovu have not won any major silverware since the 1993 league title, and hence have not also played continental football since. However, they reached the Peace Cup final on three occasions running from 1995 to 1997. Peace Cup winners, the country’s second biggest club competition, automatically secure ticket to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
