PHOTOS: Ukwinkunda header inspires AS Kigali WFC to Heroes Cup glory

An exquisite second half header from winger Jeanette Ukwinkunda proved to be the match winner as AS Kigali WFC beat Rayon Sports WFC 1-0 to win the 2024 Heroes Cup trophy. The game at Kigali Pele Stadium on Thursday, February 1, started on a slow pace though each side made incursions into the other's vital area. AS Kigali WFC striker Zawadi Usanase had the first clear chance of the game in the 20th minute as she dummied her marker inside out and beat two more players but her final delivery was feeble as goalkeeper Claudine Itangishaka saved it. Rayon Sports WFC were superior in midfield with ball joggler Dorothee Mukeshimana dictating the pace of the game. READ ALSO: Ndakimana optimistic AS Kigali WFC can retain league title Alodie Kayitesi could have given Rayon Sports WFC the lead in the 40th minute but her header from Libellee Nibagwire’s cross missed the target narrowly. Both teams played a very compact game in the final five minutes of the first half as referee Alliance Umurerwa blew her whistle for recess with the scores still at 0-0. After the break, AS Kigali WFC head coach Saida Ntagisanimana brought on Odette Coralie for Peace Olga to beef up the attack. The substitute striker got a corner for AS Kigali which resulted in the goal in the 60th minute. Her strike was parried to the corner by goalkeeper Itangishaka. Marthe Nyiramwiza whipped in an excellent corner kick which was headed home by an unmarked Jeanette Ukwinkunda for the opener. After the goal, AS Kigali looked very dominant as Zawadi Usanase switched to the left-flank allowing burly striker Coralie to take a more central role. Rayon Sports WFC failed to create any decent chances in the last quarter of the game as AS Kigali WFC held on to the win to lift the Heroes Cup.