Bugesera hopeful to see off AS Muhanga

TodayAS Muhanga vs Bugesera Second Division side Bugesera are determined to write history. But this will only happen if they eliminate top flight division side and hosts AS Muhanga to reach the final of the 2013 Peace Cup against Malaria. The two sides meet in the semi-final second leg match on today at Stade de Muhanga in Muhanga town, Southern Province. Eastern Province side Bugesera goes into today’s clash leading 1-0 from the first leg and they are regarded as favourites but AS Muhanga can’t be ruled out of overhauling the result since it won’t be the first time they have done so in this competition. In the quarter-final second leg, Muhanga eliminated Mukura 3-1 on aggregate having lost the first leg 1-0. Bugesera interim coach Fidele Hakizimana said, “We are going to Muhanga with determination and aim to maintain and defend our slim win secured in the first leg.” “We are confident about our chances of reaching the final,” added Hakizimana. Bugesera will miss striker Ouberto Manzi who is suspended for today’s clash. He added, “One more encouraging factor for us is that our (main) striker Michel Ndahinduka has got some experience training with the national team, Amavubi Stars for two weeks and we hope he will be the driving force.” However, AS Muhanga coach Ali Bizimungu remains hopeful, “We lost the first leg but all is not lost. The home tie is a must win.” Apart from striker Jacques Kimenyi (striker), who was red carded in the first leg, the rest of the players are available and ready for the task ahead, added the former Rayon Sports coach. This game was supposed to be played on Sunday, but because Muhanga District had commemoration activities, it was postponed for today. The winner between Bugesera and AS Muhanga will take on AS Kigali in the final on July 4 at Amahoro National Stadium. The loser will face APR in the play-off match. AS Kigali knocked out APR 4-2 on penalties after a 1-all draw in the second leg of the semi-final played on Saturday at Stade de Kigali. Having been beaten to the League title by rivals Rayon Sports and dumped out of the Peace cup, the military side has had their worst season in 18 years. The winner of the Peace cup will pocket Rwf10m; Rwf7m will be given to the first runners-up, third place winner will walk away with Rwf5m, while the team that finishes fourth will get Rwf3m. Imbuto Foundation injected Frw 97m into this year’s Peace Cup football tournament, which was renamed “Peace Cup against Malaria.”