An 88th minute strike from defender Aimable Nsabimana secured a Peace Cup third place for Rayon Sports after defeating Gasogi United 1-0 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Tuesday, April 29.
It was a keenly contested tie before the gangling guardsman netted what proved to be the match winner with two minutes to full time.
Blues coach Julien Mette started the game with most of his fringe players with the likes of Felix Ndekwe, Paul Gomis and goalkeeper Simon Tamale all making it in his first 11.
Meanwhile, Gasogi United also had Akbar Muderi, Serge Kabanda in attack as they sought to defeat Rayon for the second time this season after beating them 2-1 in the league on January 12.
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Rayon, looked compact in the middle from the onset as Roger Kanamugire held his might with a commanding display just in front of the back four. Gasogi, on the other hand, looked relaxed as they hoped to catch the Blues on the counter.
Charles Bbaale. and Paul Gomis squandered a host of chances despite the duo, particularly Ndekwe, creating them up a couple of times.
After half time, Gasogi came back to the pitch looking dangerous as their attack found spaces at the back of Rayon defense. Eric Ngendahimana served as the sweeper at the back as he picked most of the balls and started his side’s attacking movements.
Rayon could have conceded some two goals in the 70th and 79th minutes, had it not been for Tamale who pulled some saves to keep his team in the game as Gasogi gained momentum.
With the game heading for a draw, central defender Nsabimana popped up with a fine finish in the 88th minute to give Rayon the lead. The 2022/23 Peace Cup winners held on until fulltime to clinch the 3rd place with a 1-0 win over Gasogi United.
Meanwhile, Police FC and Bugesera FC will go head to head at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday, May 1, in a clash that will decided who will be declared winners of the 2023/24 Peace Cup.