MTN Peace Cup
2nd semi-final (First leg)
Atraco 2-1 Rayon Sport

Saturday (Second leg)
Rayon Sport v Atraco
Mukura v APR

ATRACO are one foot into the MTN Peace Cup final after yesterday’s 2-1 first leg semi-final win over six-time champions Rayon Sport.

Hamis Kitagenda scored a goal in either half to give the 2009 Cecafa/Kagame Cup a deserved win at Amahoro Stadium.

The gifted striker continued his goal scoring antics from the Cecafa club championship when he put Sam Timbe’s side ahead after just eight minutes.

The Ugandan international lashed onto a through pass from Atraco captain Jean Shyaka before sending Rayon’s goalkeeper Lawrence Webo the wrong side.

Atraco, who had been thought to struggle with fatigue from the demanding two-week tourney in Sudan, played with a high tempo, passing the ball around nicely, much to the delight of the crowd. Although they failed to add onto their one goal, Atraco ended the half on top.

In the opening minutes of the second half, things went from bad to worse for the blues when Rayon’s forward Honore Kabongo refused to come off despite clear indications from the fourth official.

Rayon coach Baptiste Kayiranga had to persist for Abdul Uwimana to come on for Kabongo.

Fortunately, the substitution seemed to pay off as the former Amavubi winger set up Albert Nyumbayire for the equaliser on the 65th minute. But Kitagenda proved that he is unstoppable when he rounded off Webo to score the winner ten minutes from time.

In his post-match remarks, Kayiranga blamed the defeat on Rayon’s failure to put away their chances. "I think we had a number of chances today but just couldn’t find the target,” he said.

"We have to do better in the return leg,” he added.

Ends