AS Kigali beat Rayon to lift inaugural Super Cup trophy

YesterdayRayon Sports 0-1 AS KigaliAS Kigali football club stunned Primus League Champions Rayon Sports to win the inaugural Super Cup title in a lively match at Stade de Kigali on Sunday.Striker Bodo Ndikumana scored the lone goal of the game with a sublime first-time finish off Jimmy Mbaraga’s pass.The Burundian-born took a great first touch before shooting past Rayon keeper Gerard Bikorimana in the far corner on the 30th minute.In the absence of head coach Cassa Mbungo and goalkeeping coach Thomas Higiro, who are both on duty with the Junior Wasps ahead of the national’s teams participation in the Francophone Games in Nice, France, assistant coach Jean de Dieu Mateso rose to the occasion to guide the City of Kigali-sponsored side to its second trophy of the year after the Peace Cup title success last season.In one of Rayon’s best chances, skipper Fuadi Ndayisenga picked the ball up on the left flank and cut inside two defenders to unleash a venomous left-foot strike which was kept at bay by the impressive Emery Mvuyekure who would frustrate the blues on several occasions.Didier Gomez da Rosa’s side dominated possession in the second half but efforts from Cedric Amissi, Ndayisenga, Djamal Mwiseneza were thwarted by the outstanding Mvuyekure.On the other end, Eric Ndahayo, Muhamed Mushiyimana, Mohamoud Kabura proved pivotal for AS Kigali, making crucial interventions.With Rayon missing the services of Salita Kambale, his replacement Jean Paul Havugarurema failed to make any impression as he was kept at bay by Latifa Bishira and James Tubane in the heart of AS Kigali defence who hung on to secure an historic win in the inaugural Super Cup.The tie serves as the curtain-raiser for a new football season and pits League champions and Peace Cup winners.The match was sponsored by Turkish construction company Babil Group of Companies (Babilaks Construction Limited).AS Kigali, who will play in next year’s Africa Confederation Cup, walked away with Rwf5 million, while Rayon Sports bagged Rwf2 million.The 2013/14 National Football League gets underway on September 21.