Rwanda Premier League match day 17 was none other than excitement where APR Fc at Kigali Pele stadium hosted AS Kigali one of their hard opponents in the league.
It was a crucial match for the military based team because they had to win so that the race with Rayon Sport can still open after their win yesterday against Kiyovu Sport.
Hosted team AS Kigali started players were Cuzuzo, Akayezu, S Nkirinkindi, Haruna, Ntirushwa, Franklin, Rucogoza, Benedata, Buregeya, Okwi, Shaban.
APR FC started Pavelh, Niyigena, Niyomugabo, Nshimiyimana, Byiringiro, Seidu, Ruboneka, Lamine Bah, Denis, Hakim, Ouattara.
Both teams started defensively neither side wanted to concede an early goal, leading to a slow-paced first half with limited chances. As a result, the match went into halftime with a goalless draw.
The second half came up with a shift in intensity, APR FC coming out aggressively, pressing high and attacking relentlessly. AS Kigali, on the other hand, adopted a defensive approach, looking to take advantage on counterattacks and quick transitions.
The breakthrough came from a corner kick passed between Ruboneka and Gilbert Byiringiro. Byiringiro delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, allowing Djibril Ouattara to rise unmarked and head the ball into the net, giving APR the lead. It seemed like the game was over as APR’s coach Darko Nović immediately made defensive substitutions to protect the lead but after Iyabivuze’s shot deflected by Byiringiro, resulting in an unfortunate own goal that leveled the score.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw, APR made another crucial change, bringing in Dushimimana to add more attacking threat. Just as the final whistle loomed, the moment of the match arrived. Mamadou Sy, who had struggled in previous matches, rose to the occasion, scoring a dramatic late winner to secure a crucial victory for APR.
APR is now counting a three-point gap separating them from League leaders Rayon Sports. On match day 18 APR is preparing for a crucial away fixture against Mukura Victory Sports
