By Seif Shaggy Gracien Hasingizwimana
Rayon Sports has secured a ticket to the 2026 Peace Cup final after a 0-0 draw against Gorilla FC in the return leg played this Tuesday at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Although the return leg ended in a goalless stalemate, Rayon Sports advanced thanks to the away goal they scored in the first leg, where both teams had played out a 1-1 draw. That goal, scored while Rayon Sports was visiting Gorilla FC, served as the decisive factor that granted them the opportunity to progress based on the aggregate scoreline of both matches.
In the return leg, both teams displayed a cautious approach in midfield, leading to numerous fouls. Gorilla FC attempted to find a breakthrough via a free kick from Mosengo Tansele in the 10th minute and a powerful shot by Ndikumana Asman, but Nshimiyimana Emmanuel ‘Kabange’ performed well in the Rayon Sports defense to clear those goal-scoring opportunities.
In the second half, Rayon Sports dominated possession while looking for attacking options, but the match ended in a 0-0 draw. In an effort to find a result, both coaches made substitutions; Gorilla FC brought on Chancelor Ndong Mengue and Karenzo Alexis, while Rayon Sports replaced Mugisha Didier with Sindi Paul Jesus.
Rayon Sports is now waiting to find out which team they will face between their rivals APR FC and Etincelles FC in their return leg, which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 18:00.
APR FC is considered the favorite to meet Rayon Sports, given that they won the first leg with a 3-1 scoreline.
