FridayAPR FC 2-1 Etincelles

Newly appointed APR FC head coach Jimmy Mulisa expressed his delight after winning his first match in charge 2-1 against Etincelles in the national football league on Friday at Kigali Regional Stadium.

Goals from striker Issa Bigirimana in the 35th minute and midfielder Djihad Bizimana in the 72nd minute were enough to give the defending champions maximum points while Salita Kambale netted the consolation goal from Etincelles in the 92nd minute.

Patrick Sibomana hit the crossbar with a long range shot and Saiba Mumbele also had his effort rebound off the post for the visitors in the second period.

APR were missing several key players including; goalkeeper Emery Mvuyekure, midfielders Andrew Buteera, Muhadjir Hakizimana as well as forwards Onesme Twizerimana and Maxime Sekamana, all through injuries.

"I have only been here for two days, so to win today is a massive boost and I really happy to make a winning start. I wanted to use pressing and put pressure on the opponent. I am happy with the result but we still have a lot of hand work to do,” Mulisa said in a post-match interview.

The former APR forward added that, "I want to have three or four players in box which can bring more chances to score goals. I will keep working on that part and I believe in this team to achieve our set goals for the season.”

His counterpart Emmanuel Ruremesha admitted that his side was better side but failed to use their chances in front of goal.

"We came into the game with purpose of using counter attacks and we almost did it but we made some mistakes in conceding both goals. If you make two mistakes against APR it is hard to recover,” he noted.

Kambale sixth goal of the season made him joint top goal scorer, along with Police FC forward Danny Usengimana.

The win has propelled APR to fourth spot on 11 points with two games in hand against Pepinierre and Kirehe FC. Etincelles remains in third spot with 12 points in seven matches.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw