Mukura Victory Sport coach Francis Haringingo was over the moon after guiding his side to a 3-1 win over Rayon Sports in the Peace Cup final at Kigali Stadium on Sunday.
The Black and Yellows emerged victorious through penalties after playing normal 90 minutes and a further 30 minutes of extra time, breaking the dominance enjoyed by APR over the past few years and his work has borne the first trophy with the team ending a 26- year wait for the domestic cup.
Speaking after the game, he heaped praises on his charges and he is aiming at replicating the same in the Caf Confederations Cup next year.
“Our primary target was to win the title (Peace Cup), for the first time in 26 years, and as soon as we achieved that, then we set bigger goals for next season. In the meantime, I can’t hide my satisfaction with the way we are going about our business,” said Haringingo as quoted by New Times, a Kigali based newspaper.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Everyone (players) put in their best, I can’t be more proud of my boys. Overcoming all the top clubs in the country to win the title is no mean feat, this is the beginning of something bigger.”[/perfectpullquote]
The Huye-based outfit converted all their penalties through Gael Duhayindavyi, Hakizimana Kevin and Hassan Rugirayabo.
Their goalkeeper Ingabire Regis saved spot kicks from Bimenyimana Bonfils Caleb and Ugandan forward Mugume Yassin while Rwatubyaye Abdul’s attempt went off target with Yannick Mukunzi being the only player who well converted his penalty.
Mukura were also the cup winners in 1978, 1986, 1990 and 1992. The team has had a good record in recent years having lost three finals in a space of 10 years.
They lost 4-2 to APR again in a penalty shootout in 1999; then 3-0 to Rayon Sports in 2005; and fell by a solitary goal to now defunct Atraco FC four year later.
Rwanda representative in the other CAF organized event, Champions League next year will be APR FC following their Azam Rwanda Premier League victory in June this year.
