Division 2 teams have reached a critical juncture in the Premier League Promotion battle.
Etoile de l’Est, Gorilla FC, Rutsiro and Vision FC have all booked their semifinal slots where they have to compete to reach the final, with the teams reaching the final earning an automatic entry to play the Top tier league.
The Quater finals took place today, with the Eastern Province and Ngoma district based team, Etoile de l’est defeating Interforce FC 1-0, from the 59th-minute goal scored by the team’s new striker, Amini Mwizerwa. It is one step closer to the top tier league for this team led by experienced head coach Abdul Bizimana. In last season, Heroes eliminated them at the semi-final stage on away goals rule therefore they are determined to get the promotion this year.
In the other match, thanks to Adolphe Hakizimana’s brace and Emile Kwizera’s goal, Rutsiro FC defeated Alpha FC 3-0. Formerly known as Hope FC, the Rutsiro district based team is among the favourites as they finished the group stage games on the top, having won eight of the 10 matches played.
Gorilla FC, which is playing the first season after their establishment last year, beat Rwamagana City 3-0. Richard Nsengimana, Jean Claude Nizeyimana and Protais Sindambiwe scored the goals. Gorilla FC will face Etoile de l’est in the semifinals which means that only one team between them will play in the Premier League next season.
Etoile de l’est, Gorilla FC, Rutsiro FC and Vision FC who advanced after Amagaju FC were disqualified, will have to battle for the 2 slots to replace Gicumbi FC and Heroes FC relegated in 2019/2020 season.
The semifinal games are scheduled for Wednesday, November 18 and the winners will be guaranteed a promotion to the Rwanda Premier League next season which is expected to begin on December 4, 2020.
Quarterfinal, November 14, 2020
Etoile de l’est 1-0 Interforce FC
Gorilla FC 3-0 Rwamagana City
Rutsiro FC 3-0 Alpha FC
Vision FC advanced following the FA’s decision to disqualify Amagaju FC
