WITH the league title out of their reach, AS Kigali head coach, Andre Casa Mbungo is determined to see his team retain the Peace Cup crown so as to return to continental football next year.

The holders will face league defending champions Rayon Sports in the quarter-finals on June 6 after eliminating second division Rwamagana 3-1 in the last round.

"We need to continue our winning ways in this competition because we want to defend our title. Playing against Rayon Sports in the ext round will be one of our toughest matches this season,” Casa Mbungo told Times Sport on Friday.

He said the team has been on an impressive winning run in the Peace Cup since last season.

"I am looking forward to keep that run going, our objective is to make sure we reach as far as we possibly can,” he added.

After tasting relative success in the Caf Confederation Cup this year in which they reached the second round, the first time for any Rwandan club, the AS Kigali coach is determined to make a quick return.

"We had a good run in the competition (Confederation Cup) and with the experience we gained, I believe we can do better in our next outing. It was a good learning curve for the whole club, from players, coaches and management—I would love to return to African football next year,” he stated.

In the league, AS Kigali maintained their grip on third position with 47 points after a 1-all draw away to Musanze, three ahead of fifth-placed Police FC, who won 3-1 away to relegation-bound AS Muhanga.  

AS Kigali, who have two games left will take on SC Kiyovu on Saturday.