KCCA FC was over the weekend crowned winners of the second edition of the Nkurunziza Cup.
The game was held in memory of Burundi’s former President, the late Pierre Nkurunziza who passed away in 2020.
The game was also attended by Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye who was the guest of honor as well as other dignitaries from across East Africa.
KCCA FC got in the thick of things early with debutant Moses Waiswa whose defense-splitting pass was controlled by Obenchan but was let down with the weight of his cross and the ball flew wide in the fourth minute.
Six minutes later, Mato teed up Poloto who beat his marker and sent in a fierce shot but the ball flew inches wide in what was the game’s first moment of offensive promise.
Aigle Noir’s Ngabo Mbede was then cautioned for a late challenge on KCCA’s Moses Waiswa who was later withdrawn due to injury.
In the 16th minute, Usama laid a beautiful ball to Poloto who outrun two markers and riffled the ball in the back of the net to hand KCCA FC the early advantage.
Morley Byekwaso was forced into making an early change when he withdrew Waiswa for youngster Faisal Wabyoona.
In the 27th minute, hosts Aigle Noir made three changes in a bid to introduce fresh legs to the game.
At the half-hour mark, Innocent Wafula cut in from the right flank and teed up Poloto whose first-time effort hit the outside frame of the goal.
Aigle Noir’s quick counterattack was blocked by Faisal Wabyoona in a very timely and smart way.
The hosts almost found the back of the net through Nshimirimana but teenager Juma Ibrahim quickly stepped up to block their effort.
In the 38th minute, Wabyoona teed up Juma whose first-time cross was headed on goal by Rogers Mato but Aigle Noir’s Ndizeye Aime saved.
Five minutes to the end of the first half, Nshimirimana Darcy was cautioned for a foul on KCCA’s Derrick Ochan.
Three minutes later, Wafula’s well-taken cross was headed over the frame of the goal by Mugume with the goal at his mercy.
1-0 at the break. KCCA FC with the advantage.
After recess, Usama’s through ball was controlled by Mato who was brought down in the box. The referee awarded a penalty to KCCA FC.
Julius Poloto stepped up to slot home from 12 yards to stretch KCCA’s lead in the 52nd minute.
Three minutes later, Lwanga and Majwega replaced Poloto and Mato.
At the hour mark, Usama teed up Lwanga who controlled and riffled the ball in the net past Aigle Noir’s Ndizeye Aime to make it three for KCCA FC.
Brian Majwega was then cautioned for a foul in the 65th minute.
Three minutes later, youngster Said Mayanja was handed his debut replacing Mugume Ashraf. Ayella Dominic replaced Innocent Wafula.
Mayanja showed immediate impact when he beat his man and laid a pass to Lwanga but his shot on goal with his weaker foot was saved by Ndizeye.
Dominic Ayella would then provide for teenager Juma Ibrahim to score the third goal in a sheer class manner.
With all KCCA’s substitutes utilized, goalkeeper Ali Mwirusi was introduced to replace Usama Arafat in the 80th minute.
Skipper Revita was called into action to deny Aigle Noir’s Darcy from finding the consolation for the hosts.
The final minutes of the game were a display of the KCCA FC style of play as the youngsters Mayanja, Wabyoona, Ayella gave a good account of themselves.
4-0 at full time.
KCCA FC crowned winners of the second edition of the Nkurunziza Cup.
line up
Aigle Noir
Ndizeye (GK), Shaka, Mutima, Kanyamunkenge, Sinzinkayo, Mbede, Masudi, Tempo, Nshimirimana, Bizimana, Manirakiza
KCCAFC
Ochan (GK), Wafula (Ayella), Juma, Obenchan, Magambo, Revita, Mugume (Mayanja), Waiswa (Wabyoona), Mato (Majewga), Usama (Mwirusi), Poloto (Lwanga)
Source: KCCA FC website