Isonga eliminate AS Kigali in Peace Cup

Today APR vs BugeseraPolice vs SunriseRayon Sports vs SEC Academy Yesterday AS Kigali 1-1 Isonga (3-4 pens)SCKiyovu 4-1 Sorwathe FCEspoir 7-0 Vision JNMusanze 0-1 Etincelles FCMukura 1-1 Gicumbi (3-4 pens) Relegated side Isonga FC have stormed the quarterfinals of the Peace Cup after stunning AS Kigali 4-2 in spot kicks yesterday at the Mumena Stadium. Fresh from scoring his first international goal for Amavubi against Mozambique, AS Kigalis striker Ernest Sugira broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute to give the 2013 Peace Cup winners, the lead. Eric Nshimiyimanas side seemed to be on the brink of victory until substitute Olivier Niyonzima equalized in the 91st minute from a corner kick by midfielder Kevin Muhire. The motivated Isonga mounted pressure on AS Kigali and almost scored a winner a minute later but goalkeeper Shamiru Battes alertness saved the moment. Ernest Sugira (L) netted AS Kigalis goal in regular time. As per the tournament rules, the winner would be decided by penalties. Isongas Jean d’Amour Nzayisenga converted. The first spot kick before Sugira sent Isonga goalkeeper Bonheur Hategekimana the wrong way to level the score at 1-1. Muhire’s attempt was saved by Batte who dived to the right before Hamidu Ndayisaba gave AS Kigali a 2-1 lead. Isonga striker Danny Usengimana sent a low shot to the left past Batte before Hategekimana saved Rodrigue Murengezi’s predictable low shot to level the score at 2-2. Isongas Mansur Senzira (L) dribbles past Isaie Songa of AS Kigali yesterday at Mumena Stadium. Substitute Cyprien Sinamenye gave Isonga a 3-2 lead before Hategekimana made the match-winning timely save to deny striker Bodo Ndikumana before left back Mansour Senzira fired the winning shot past Batte. Innocent Seninga’s side celebrated their shock victory over the league side, who finished second on the table standings, three points behind eventual champions APR. Seninga said, “It was not an easy game because AS Kigali is a strong team that finished second in the league but I have spent the past week telling them that it is possible to defeat AS Kigali and here we are. We fought till the last minute.” Isongas goalkeeper Bonheur Hategekimana saved two penalties to inspire his side to victory over giants AS Kigali. (All photos by Timothy Kisambira) His counterpart Nshimiyimana accepted defeat and said, “This is football. Anything can happen.” Meanwhile, defending champions APR will play host to second division side Bugesera while Police FC take on Sunrise at Mumena Stadium. Rayon Sports host SEC Academy at Kicukiro Stadium hoping to keep their title hopes alive. editorial@newtimes.co.rw