Rayon win Heroes Cup despite APR FC defeat

Rayon Sports are the winners of the 2018 Heroes Cup despite losing 2-1 to APR FC at a fully packed Amahoro National Stadium, yesterday.

Thursday, February 01, 2018

Peter Kamasa

Rayon Sports players celebrate the Heroes Cup title winning despite losing 2-1 to APR. / Sam Ngendahimana

Thursday Heroes Cup Police 0-0 AS Kigali Rayon Sports 1-2 APR

Rayon Sports are the winners of the 2018 Heroes Cup despite losing 2-1 to APR FC at a fully packed Amahoro National Stadium, yesterday.

Hussein Tchabalala Shaban put Rayon in the lead in the 4th minute with a powerful header from a well taken free kick by Pierrot Kwizera.

In the 62nd minute Muhadjir Hakizimana netted the equalizer for APR through a wonderful free kick before Issa Bigirimana who came on to replace Jean Claude Iranzi, netted the winning goal in the 77th minute.

APR FC dominate the second half and win two goals

APR’s Lague Byiringiro, Iranzi Savio Nshuti and Muhadjir Hakizimana had chances to score but failed to beat goalie Eric Bakame Ndayishimiye.

In the 20th minute, Iranzi was brought down in dangerous zone by Gabriel Mugabo, but referee Abdoul Twagirumukiza did not give the army side a penalty.

In the 37th minute, Thierry Manzi brought down Byiringiro to earn a free kick but Hakizimana’s try bounced off the crossbar while in the 30th minute, Iranzi eliminated all defenders of Rayon Sports, but his shot hit the crossbar.

Rayon Sports also got many chances to score through Shassir Nahimana, Ismaila Diarra and Shaban but their shots were saved by APR goalie Yves Kimenyi.

Over 25,000 people watched the game with some opting to sit on the ground because all seats were full.

Meanwhile, in another game AS Kigali held Police to a goalless draw. After both sides shared spoils, Police finished in third position with four points.

APR FC forward Issa Bigirimana celebrates his goal during the clash against Rayon Sports

Innocent Seninga’s side beat APR 1-0 before losing 4-0 to Rayon Sports while it dropped two points to AS Kigali. AS Kigali played 47 minutes with ten men after right back Eric Iradukunda was red carded after hitting David Nzabanita on the face with his elbow.

Rayon Sports finished in top place with four points and a three goal difference while APR came second with four points and 1 goal difference while Police finished in third position with four points -3 goals. AS Kigali finished in fourth place with three points.

The winner Rayon Sports got Rwf6m on top of the trophy and gold medals; APR received Rwf3m and silver medals; Police walked away with Rwf2m and bronze medals while AS Kigali pocketed Rwf1m.

The Blues supporters cheer on their players during the match

Skippers Migi and Bakame greet each other before starting the game

Skipper Migi celebrates after stunning Rayon Sports 2-1 at Amahoro National Stadium

Shaban Shabalala scores goal for Rayon Sports

Scorer of the first goal Muhadjir Hakizimana and Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza celebrate after defeating Rayon Sports 2-1 during Heroes Cup match

RDF officers follow the match between APR FC and Rayon Sports

Rayon Sports line up

Rayon Sports' goal scorer Shaban Shabarara battles for the ball with APR FC winger Emmanuel Imanishimwe during the match

Rayon Sports striker Shaban Shabalala tries to battle for the ball with APR FC's Savio Nshuti and Djihad Bizimana

Rayon Sports players look so dispirited after loosing the game

Rayon Sports players celebrate the goal in the first half

Rayon Sports Head coach Olivier Karekezi chats with the goalkeepers coach Ramazan Nkunzingoma

Players talk to the goalkeeper Ndayishimiye as Army side get a free kick

Midfielder Yannick Mukunzi tries to go past APR FC forward during the match

Many football supporters board the whole stadium to back their teams

Jimmy Mulisa captured here in action putting the pressure to his players

Goalkeeper Jean Luc Bakame celebrates his side's goal in the first half (Sam Ngendahimana)

Former RDF soldiers cheer on players after beating Rayon Sports 2-1

Defender Rugwiro and Mugabo jump for the ball as Rugwiro tries a header

Defence Minister James Kabarebe gives the trophy to the captain of the Republican guard team

Captain Mugiraneza and his coach Mulisa celebrate the victory against Rayon Sports

Bakame looks on a clear ontarget shot

Army side's youngster Innocent Nshuti in action , he creates the assist of the second goal

APR FC' s Iranzi and Yanick Mukunzi vie for the ball during the match

APR FC line up before the match

editorial@newtimes.co.rw