Under the bright lights of Kigali’s iconic stadium, the atmosphere was electric as fans of Rayon Sports witnessed one of the most dominant performances in recent Rwandan football history. On Thursday evening at Kigali Pelé Stadium, the club popularly known as Rayon Sports delivered a ruthless display, thrashing City Boys FC 9-0 to seal a place in the quarterfinals of the Rwanda Peace Cup.
The emphatic victory completed an astonishing 11-0 aggregate scoreline after Rayon Sports had already secured a 2-0 win in the first leg of the Round of 16. What unfolded in Kigali was not just a routine qualification it was a night that highlighted the depth, attacking power, and confidence of a team determined to chase silverware in 2026.
Early Fireworks Set the Tone
From the opening whistle, Rayon Sports showed no intention of slowing down despite their advantage from the first leg. The team fielded several players who often struggle for regular starting positions, but they quickly proved eager to impress.
Just three minutes into the match, Habimana Yves broke the deadlock with a sharp finish that ignited celebrations among thousands of supporters dressed in blue and white.
The early goal set the rhythm for what would become a relentless attacking performance.
Nine minutes later, Senegalese striker Fall Ngagne doubled the lead from the penalty spot after City Boys conceded a foul inside the box. The pressure continued to mount, and by the 15th minute, Joachim Vigninou added a third goal with a clinical strike.
The scoreboard already reflected the widening gulf between the top-tier side and their second-division opponents.
A First Half to Remember
Rayon Sports maintained their attacking intensity, leaving City Boys scrambling to regain composure. The midfield dictated the pace while the forwards constantly stretched the defense.
In the 28th minute, Habimana struck again, sending the ball past the goalkeeper for his second of the evening and the fourth goal for Rayon Sports.
Four minutes later, Ngagne completed his brace with another powerful finish, bringing the score to 5-0 before halftime.
For City Boys players, the break could not come soon enough. Their defenders walked toward the tunnel visibly exhausted, while Rayon Sports supporters sang and waved flags across the stadium.
One fan in the stands summed up the mood.
“This is the Rayon Sports we love,” said Jean Bosco Uwimana, a long-time supporter who had traveled from Muhanga to attend the match. “Even when new players get a chance, they fight for the badge.”
City Boys Struggle to Recover
The second half offered little relief for City Boys.
Despite attempts to reorganize their defensive line, they found it nearly impossible to contain Rayon Sports’ fluid attacking movements.
Habimana completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute with a composed finish, bringing the tally to six goals.
Moments later, substitute Sindi Paul Jesus joined the scoring party with a well-placed shot in the 73rd minute.
The stadium erupted again in the 80th minute when defender Aziz Ben Dao rose high to score the eighth goal.
But the night still belonged to Habimana.
In the 89th minute, he sealed the historic victory with his fourth goal of the match, completing the 9-0 rout and sending fans into one final wave of celebration.
A Statement Ahead of the Quarterfinals
The overwhelming victory sends Rayon Sports confidently into the quarterfinal stage of the Peace Cup, where they will face the winner between Police FC and Gicumbi FC.
The two sides are scheduled to play their decisive second leg on Friday after drawing 1-1 in their first meeting.
For Rayon Sports coach and technical staff, the performance offered encouraging signs not only about the team’s attacking capabilities but also about the squad’s depth.
Several players who rarely feature in league matches seized their opportunity to shine.
A member of the club’s technical team noted after the match that such performances are crucial for maintaining competition within the squad.
“When players know they can step in and perform like this, it pushes the whole team forward,” the staff member said.
Fans Dream of Another Trophy
Rayon Sports supporters left the stadium buzzing with optimism.
Many believe the team’s current form could carry them all the way to the Peace Cup title, a trophy that remains one of the most prestigious domestic competitions in Rwandan football.
For Habimana Yves, the night will likely remain one of the most memorable moments of his career.
Scoring four goals in a single knockout match not only elevated his reputation among fans but also strengthened his case for a bigger role in upcoming matches.
“It’s always special to score in front of our supporters,” Habimana said after the match. “Their energy pushes us to give everything on the pitch.”
Gorilla FC Also Advance
Elsewhere in the tournament, Gorilla FC secured an equally convincing victory.
The Kigali-based side crushed Muhazi United 6-0 in their return leg after the first meeting ended in a goalless draw.
The result sends Gorilla FC into the quarterfinals where they will face AS Kigali, setting up another exciting clash between two strong teams.
Quarterfinal Matchups Take Shape
As the Round of 16 draws to a close, several quarterfinal fixtures are already confirmed.
Defending champions APR FC are set to face Gasogi United, while Bugesera FC will battle Etincelles FC.
Meanwhile, AS Kigali’s encounter with Gorilla FC promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the next round.
Rayon Sports, still waiting to discover their opponent, have already sent a clear warning to any team that might stand in their way.
More Than Just a Victory
Beyond the scoreline, Thursday’s match reflected the passion and growing competitiveness of Rwandan football.
Families filled the stands, young fans waved flags, and chants echoed throughout the stadium long after the final whistle.
For many supporters, nights like this symbolize more than just sport they represent unity, pride, and the shared excitement that football brings to communities across the country.
As the Peace Cup moves into its decisive stages, Rayon Sports have firmly positioned themselves as one of the tournament’s most formidable contenders.
And if their performance against City Boys is any indication, the journey toward the final could produce even more unforgettable moments for fans in Kigali and beyond.CONTINUE TO THIS POST
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