‘Tchabalala’ strike seals qualification for Rayon Sports

New signing Shaban ‘Tchabalala’ Hussein netted the only goal as Rayon Sports claimed a deserved 1-0 win over a Lydia Ludic Burundi Académic in the preliminary round return leg at Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium on Wednesday away in Bujumbura to qualify 2-1 on aggregate

Rayon defence marshaled around Thierry Manzi, Faustin Usengimana, Ange Mutsinzi and Eric Rutanga displayed a solid performance and didn’t allow Lydia Académic attackers a sniff at Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye’s goal.

The Burundian champions put pressure on Rayon especially in the second half by creating more scoring opportunities through Moussa Harerimana, Seif Ndizeye, Jules Ulimwengu and Djamal Bazunza but were denied by Ndayishimiye.

Rayon's chances came through Nahimana, Djabel Manishimwe, Kevin Muhire and Shaban ‘Tchabalala’ Hussein but failed to score.

The visitors went into the return leg knowing that they need a win to seal qualification to the next round while Burundian champions needed a goalless draw to reach to the next round.

In first leg, forward Jamali Bazunza gave the visitors the lead before Burundi international Hussein ‘Tchabalala’ Shaban equalized for Olivier Karekezi’s team.

Rayon Sports will face the 2016 champions Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the round of 16.