Saturday Rayon Vs AS Kigali (Aggr. 2-1)

AS Kigali coach Jean de Dieu Mateso has insisted that his side are confident about reaching the Peace Cup final – in what would be their first since their 2013 triumph – despite a disappointing first-leg result against Rayon Sports in semi-finals on Wednesday.

Rayon ran out 2-1 victors over AS Kigali at Kigali Stadium, the same venue that hosts the return-leg on Saturday, despite being one man down after Eric Gisa Irambona was sent off in the 77th minute with two yellow cards on the night.

"I think the tie is still open. I am confident we can pull off the needed comeback on Saturday, but only if my players stick to our game plan,” Mateso told Times Sport on Thursday.

Fabrice Mugheni Kakule and Michael Sarpong were the scorers for Rayon, while Jean Claude Ndarusanze netted the consolation goal for the hosts.

For AS Kigali to see off Rayon, they will need to win 2-0 or hope that they progress on away goal rule if they win by a one-goal margin, but with a victory larger than 2-1.

"We made some mistakes that cost us, but overall we played well. It is now a matter of preparing for the return leg, and see how it goes.”

Mateso admitted:  "It is going to be difficult because we lost, but nothing is impossible.”

edior@newtimesrwanda.com