Africa-Press – Rwanda. APR FC showed their character and determination as they beat Police FC 4-2 on penalties to win the 2025 Rwanda Heroes Cup at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday, February 1.
The army club had to play the last 10 minutes of extra time with a man down after centre back Clement Niyigena was sent off with a second yellow card for a nasty challenge on striker Elijah Ani.
But it was the army side who laughed last after goalkeeping hero Pavelh Ndzila saved two penalties in the shootout to give his side the first trophy of the season.
Police FC started the game by the time Isssah Yakubu was still with his face on the ground praying until Ani passed the ball straight from the centre to him. He had to get up quickly and clear the danger in a scenario which caused laughter among section of the fans.
APR’s Hakim Kiwanuka was beautifully set up by Lamine Bah who attempted a shot for an early lead after just two minutes of action but his strike was saved by Police FC shot stopper Patience Niyongira.
A minute later, Kiwanuaka again weaved his magic by beating three Police FC players before firing in a powerful shot which Niyongira punched; he then stood on his ground to save the rebound again.
APR FC put Police FC under intense pressure as they pushed for the opening goal. Seidu Dauda broke loose in the middle and dribbled past two Police FC players before he was brought down by countryman Issah Yakubu as the danger was curtailed.
Yakubu nearly put Police ahead in the 12th minute as his point-blank header inside the APR penalty box from Eric Nsabimana’s cross missed the target by inches.
Aliou Souane made a mistake three minutes later as he failed to clear the ball. Ani pounced on it but saw his effort miss the post.
The game became more physical as both teams tried to prevent each other from holding onto the ball. APR were building most of their attack from the right flank. They came close to scoring in the 30th and 35th minutes but Niyongira made crucial saves to keep his side in the game.
After 45 minutes had elapsed, there were 3 minutes of additional as both teams headed to the break tied to 0-0.
The second half started brightly for both teams as they began to play a relaxed game.
Christian Ishimwe had the opportunity to break the deadlock against his former side in the 50th minute when he whipped in a delightful cross from the left but Niyigena cleared the danger with a diving header.
APR head coach Darko Novic took off Kiwanuka and Ramadhan Niyibizi and brought on Djibril Ouatarra and Lamine Bah in the 55th minute in an effort to beef up his attack.
The pair’s introduction brought more urgency into the club’s offensive play as they began to pin Police FC to their own half.
But Mashami wasn’t afraid of the opponent’s threat as his side turned from defence into attack in the 65th minute. Allan Katerega stripped Bosco Ruboneka off the ball before going on a solo run, he squared the ball to Didier Mugisha whose strike hit the side net.
Mashami made his first substitution in the 77th minute as he brought on Fred Muhoozi who replaced Mugisha.
APR had a glorious chance in the 80th minute when Ouatarra drifted wide to the left, he delivered a pinpoint cross into the Police penalty box which Gilbert Mugisha headed over the bar despite being unmarked.
Both teams decided to sit deep and break on the counterattacks in the final 10 minutes of the game as using the pace of their wingers to great effect, but neither side managed to break the deadlock.
Referee Claude Ishimwe had to allow the pair to play 30 minutes of extra time after neither side found the back of the net in regulation time which ended goalless.
Police FC were handed an advantage to retain the trophy when APR were reduced to 10 men after defender Clement Niyigena was sent off for a second bookable offense for fouling striker Elijah Ani in the buildup.
However, Vincent Mashami and his men failed to capitalize on the opportunity to beat APR FC who defended until the last minute to force the game into penalty shootouts.
Goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila was the hero between the posts as he saved two penalties to help his side win 4-2 and lift the trophy they had lost to the same side in 2024.
Meanwhile, in the Women’s category, Rayon Sports win the trophy after beating Indahangarwa 5-4 on penalties in the final after the 90 minutes ended with both teams level 0-0.
Army side players celebrate the victory at Kigali Pele stadium
The Heroes cup is played to mark the National Heroes’ Day that is observed every year on February 1.
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