A solitary first-half strike by winger Gilbert Mugisha was all that APR FC needed to beat Police FC on Monday, July 1, to win Amahoro Stadium inauguration trophy.
The match took place at refurbished Amahoro Stadium which was officially inaugurated by President Paul Kagame. The event was attended by Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe.
The encounter started on a slow pace as both teams took time to warm themselves into the game. APR were able to hold their might from midfield and took control of the game.
Gradually, they spread the game to the wings where Gilbert Mugisha and Alain Bacca Kwitonda were lively with their direct runs.
APR, who were under the tutelage of new head coach Darko Novic, broke the deadlock in the 12th minute through a fine strike from Gilbert Mugisha.
The goal caused Police FC to move more men forward in search of an equalizer. Muhadjiri Hakizimana, who recently extended his stay with the law enforcers, found space at the edge of APR’s penalty box in the 35th minute but he saw his effort flying over the cross bar.
Vincent Mashami’s side piled more pressure on APR pushing for an equalizer as Christian Ishimwe, who was also playing against his former club, overlapped on the left flank and found Chukwuma Odili in the 40th minute but his effort lacked the needed precision.
The final five minutes of the first half saw both team defending gallantly as they went on recess with APR leading 1-0.
Both teams made a host of changes in the second half with Taddeo Lwanga, Gilbert Byiringiro and Olivier Dushimimana coming on for Ismail Pitchou Nshimirimana, Dieudonne Ndayishimiye and Alain Kwitonda respectively while Police also brought on new signing Richard Kilongozi for Odili.
APR had the first chance of the second half in the 50th minute but Gilbert Mugisha was not fast enough as he failed to connect a fantastic ball from the right. The winger made way for new signing Arsene Tuyisenge who also offered speed on the left flank since his introduction in the 60th minute.
Police also brought on Patience Niyongira for Onesime Rukundo ho had quiet evening on between the post.
Police kept pressing but their midfield struggled to click as Abedi Bigirimana failed to get the needed support as he was always overcrowded by the APR players and didn’t get enough space to weave his message.
APR brought on Elia Katageya and Aliou Souane for Ramadan Niyibizi and Victor Mbaoma respectively in the 85th minute as Novic looked to strengthened their attack.
Police FC missed the final chance of the game in the 95th minute as Richard Kilogozi’s free kick was cleared by Clement Niyigena.
The game ended with APR leading 1-0 with Mugisha getting credits for scoring the first goal at renovated Amahoro Stadium.
