Police FC defeated Bugesera FC 2-1 in the 2024 Peace Cup final, securing their first major trophy in nine years.
Police Football Club clinched the Rwanda Peace Cup with a 2-1 win over Bugesera. The victory capped off a successful 2023–2024 season for Vincent Mashami and the team, which secured three trophies in total.
In a fiercely contested match that drew thousands of spectators from Bugesera district and police offices and command, Police FC asserted their dominance over the league strugglers, preventing them from clinching their first-ever Peace Cup title.
The game kicked off slightly later than the scheduled 3 p.m. KO time indicated on the fixture, likely due to the preceding 1st May workers’ games at Kigali Pelé Stadium. The match began at a slow pace, possibly influenced by the high temperatures at KPS.
After a scoreless first half, Police FC returned to the field with a strong determination to put an end to their nine-year wait for a major trophy. In the 57th minute, Muhadjiri Hakizimana unleashed a pinpoint pass to Jibrine Akuki, who confidently put the ball into the net, propelling the cops into the lead.
Nine minutes after taking the lead, Nsabimana Eric, also known as “Zidane,” capitalized on a well-delivered corner from Marc Nkubana to extend Police FC’s lead to two goals, significantly boosting their chances of securing the trophy.
Francis Haringingo, a two-time Peace Cup winner and formerly the head coach of the Police, implemented significant changes to push his team forward. Vincent Adams’ entry proved essential, as he dictated the pace of the game.
Bugesera scored through Saifi Ssentengo, known as Faruk Ruhinda, as a result of this move. Despite having 9 minutes left to stage a comeback, Police FC’s strong defensive display prevented Bugesera’s efforts, ultimately allowing Police FC to finally claim the long-awaited trophy.
At the end of the 90 minutes, jubilation erupted not only among the players but also within the police command, led by CG Felix Namuhoranye, who was present at Kigali Pelé Stadium to witness his team’s greatest achievement of the season.
The 2024 Peace Cup trophy won’t be the only addition to Police FC’s trophy cabinet. The Rwanda National Police Team has previously won the EAPCCO games and the Heroes Cup this season. And there are no doubts that Vincent Mashami and the police have had a successful season.
Police Football Club will represent Rwanda in the Africa Clubs Championship next year, carrying the nation’s flag with pride.
