APR FC put their slow start to Mapinduzi Cup behind and turned their result around with a convincing 3-1 win over Zanzibar’s JKU SC at Amaan Stadium on Wednesday, January 3, a result that earned the army side a ticket to the quarterfinals.

Thierry Froger and his men went into the game knowing that a loss would see them eliminated from the competition, having lost 3-1 at the hands of Singida Big Stars in their Group B opening game on Monday.

The early elimination would also leave the Frenchman’s job hanging by a thread after considering his poor records against foreign teams since he took charge in July 2023.

But the army side was looking different against JKU SC who were dominated from the very beginning of the game despite playing at their home turf.

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Midfielder Ramadhan Niyibizi opened his goal account in the competition with a superb finish after just seven minutes of the game but Saleh Massoud Abdala equalized for JKU SC from the spot before recess after defender Clement Niyigenda brought him down in the penalty box.

The army side lost their defender Apam Assongue to injury in the early stages of the encounter and they had to make a forced substitution in the tenth minute as the Cameroonian made way for Sanda Soulei is at the club for trials.

APR dominated proceedings in the first half and created numerous scoring opportunities but they could utilize their many chances while JKU SC, who relied mostly on counter-attacks, struggled to break down the opponents’ defence and they put their only chance to good use.

With both teams heading for halftime level at 1-1, Froger’s men return to the pitch looking as aggressive as ever.

Victor Mbaoma netted the second goal with a rebound from Niyibizi’s long range shot which hit the crossbar after JKU’s goalkeeper failed to save it.

Niyibizi scored his second goal and APR’s third in the 65th minute to ensure a win and three points for the military side. His performance won him the man of the match cash prize worth TSH500,000.

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They may already have a ticket to the quarterfinal, but the Rwandan champions will need to beat Tanzanian powerhouse and pre-tournament favorites Simba SC to finish in a good position and avoid a tougher team in the next stages.

Mapinduzi Cup is an annual competition which forms part of the anniversary celebrations of the Zanzibar Revolution, which expelled the Sultan from power on January 12, 1964.