Bugesera FC are just a draw away from earning promotion to the topflight division football league following their 2-0 win over AS Muhanga in the second division playoff semi-final first leg on Wednesday at Muhanga stadium.

The Eastern province-based Bugesera boosted their chances of reaching the final of the second division league ahead of the return leg scheduled for this Sunday at ETO Nyamata grounds.

The 2013 Peace Cup semi-finalists Bugesera earned their win courtesy of goals from Abedi Christophe Biramahire and Rashid Bigiraneza in the 55th and 59th minute respectively.

"We are glad to take a 2-0 advantage into the return leg on Sunday when we play in-front of our home fans. However, we can’t take anything for granted as Muhanga can come to our place and do what we just did to them at their place,” Bugesera FC head coach Noel Nsaziyinka acknowledged.

He added, "Despite holding the lead, we won’t go into Sunday’s game looking for a draw, to the contrary, we shall come to win because we have really worked so hard to be this position this season.”

In another semi-final encounter, Rwamagana held Sorwathe to a 1-all draw at Rwamagana stadium. The return leg clash will be played at Kinihira grounds in Rulindo district with winners qualifying for the final and automatically booking a slot to next season’s topflight league.

Last year, Sunrise and Isonga were the two sides to earn promotion to topflight but the later struggled and were relegated back to the lower division while Sunrise finished in an impressive fourth place in their maiden season ahead of the likes of Rayon Sports and SC Kiyovu.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw