We are ready to knock out Rayon, vows Isonga FC coach

Underdogs Isonga FC are hoping to continue their rollercoaster ride when they take on Rayon Sports in the semi-finals of the Peace Cup first leg on Saturday, head coach Innocent Seninga has vowed.

Monday, June 22, 2015
Isonga FC players celebrate after knocking out AS Kigali in the round of 16. The relegated side reached the semis after eliminating Espoir. (T. Kisambira)

Semi-final, First Leg

Saturday

APR                  vs     Police

Rayon Sports     vs     Isonga

July 1

Second Leg

Isonga      vs      Rayon Sports

Police       vs      APR

Underdogs Isonga FC are hoping to continue their rollercoaster ride when they take on Rayon Sports in the semi-finals of the Peace Cup first leg on Saturday, head coach Innocent Seninga has vowed.

The youthful Isonga, relegated from the topflight division league this season, reached the last four after eliminating league side Espoir 5-4 in spot kicks after 1-1 draw at Muhanga stadium on Sunday.

After the game, Seninga told the media that, "It was a good game as both teams gave their best. We are happy to win and we have to look forward to the next game against Rayon Sports, which is going to be even tougher.”

He added that "Against Rayon Sports, it’s going to be tougher, but we are not fazed by the challenge ahead. I have a week to prepare the players for the semi-finals and I’m sure we will be well prepared to knock out Rayon Sports.”

Isonga beat AS Kigali 4-3 on spot-kicks in the round of 16 after both sides drew 1-1 while Rayon Sports thrashed Sec Academy 6-0 in quarter-finals before knocking out Etincelles 2-0.

Seninga’s side finished bottom of the league table standings with 18 points from 26 games having won just two games, drawn 10 and lost 14 games.

In National Football League, Rayon Sports thrashed Isonga 4-0 in the first round before drawing 0-0 in second round.

Isonga FC was founded in 2011 mainly comprising of players from the Rwanda U-17 team that featured in the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup finals in Mexico and is funded by the Ministry of Sports and Culture (MINISPOC) and Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA).

Defending champions APR FC, seeking a record-extending eighth Peace Cup title, will face Police in the other semi-final clash.