Selected results

Boys

Juatoto 0-2 Inyange Academy

Girls

White Stars 0-0 Nyakiriba (2-1 pen)

After claiming the North and North-Western zone title in the ongoing Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) U-17 Youth Championships on Sunday, Inyange Academy Football have shifted focus to the national level semi-finals.

The semi-finals and finals of the third edition of ARS youth football championship are scheduled for the weekend of July 17-19 at Ubworoherane stadium in Musanze District. Umuganda stadium in Ruvabu District hosted finals of the previous two editions.

Musanze-based Inyange Academy beat hosts Juatoto 2-0 at Tam Tam grounds in Rubavu to claim the single ticket available for national level semis.  Inyange Academy’s goals were scored by Jean Paul Nduwayezu and Jean Luc Niyifasha in the 18th and 54th minute respectively.

In a post-match interview, Inyange Academy coach Martin Dukundane said, "Congratulations to my boys for the good football they showed and we fully deserved this win. However, we have turned attention to the next stage where we want do well and reach the final.”

Dukundane also admitted that his teams have the extra advantage of hosting the finals at their own backyard and expects huge support from home fans.

In the girls’ category, White Stars of Rubavu won the title after defeating Nyakiriba 2-1 in penalty shootouts following a goalless draw in regular time.

The final round of zonal preliminaries is set for this weekend in Kigali and winners in the boys’ category will join holders Gatsibo Academy, Rusizi United and Inyange Academy while in the girls’ category the winners join Abarashi Academy, Gatagara Centre and White Stars for national level semi-finals.

The two North and North-West zone preliminaries attracted 16 teams, 12 boys and 4 girl’s teams  vying for one ticket available in either gender.

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