Rayon Sports advanced to the final of the Peace Cup after securing a 4-3 aggregate victory against Mukura Victory Sports on Saturday.
After Rayon had registered a 3-2 victory in the first leg, the return leg at Kigali Pele Stadium produced a 1-1 draw enabling them to reach the final for the first time since 2018.
After a 0-0 result in the first half, Rayon under coach Francis Haringingo continued to attack for the opener and they were rewarded in the 67th minute when lead striker Willy Esombe Onana sneaked the ball home past goalkeeper Nicholas Sebwato.
With the game heading to the final minutes and Rayon leading 1-0, Mukura levelled matters courtesy of Emmanuel Nsabimana but it was not enough to give the Yellow and Black a place in the final.
“We knew it was not going to be an easy return leg after the hard-fought win in the first meeting and I am happy we kept the composure to reach the final,” Haringingo said after the game.
“We need to dust ourselves and get ready for the final, we need to prepare well because it is not going to be easy either.”
Rayon will now face the winner between Kiyovu or APR FC in the final at Huye Stadium on June 3. Kiyovu and APR are due to face off in the return leg semi-final clash at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday.
In the first leg meeting at Bugesera Stadium, the two sides battled to a 1-1 draw. Rayons are chasing for their 10th Peace Cup trophy.
The winner of the Peace Cup will earn a direct ticket to represent Rwanda in the Caf Confederation Cup next season. The last time Rayon featured on the continental stage was way back in 2019.