Rwandan champions APR FC got off to the winning start they craved for at the 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup in Tanzania as they defeated Singida 1-0 on Tuesday, July 9, courtesy of Victor Mbaoma's 22 minute strike to go top Group C.

It was a good game from both teams though APR looked much sharper with a host of their new signings who had the opportunity to play.

Times Sports takes a look at five things we learnt from the encounter.

Mbaoma's predatory instincts inside penalty box

All of Victor Mbaoma's 15 league goals in the 2023/24 season were scored inside the opponent penalty box which shows his incisive predatory instincts.

And, against Singida, he proved his capabilities as an 18-yard box striker again as he reacted quickly to poke home what proved to be the match winner after goalkeeper Metacha Mnata failed to save an initial shot.

With his ability to read games and react quickly, Mbaoma is fast establishing himself as a potent goal scorer. Whenever he gets services, he delivers.

With Niyigena at the back, APR look even safer

Clement Niyigena proved to be the rock at the heart of APR defense. The defender he made some timely clearances to keep his team in the game especially when goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila made some goalkeeping mistakes.

He also covered Yunusu Nshimiyimana who at times was caught off guard and looked flat footed.

ALSO READ: Novic names 24-man squad for 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup

Byiringiro steps up as Omborenga’s heir

APR are settling for life after defender Omborenga Fitina who left for cross-town rivals Rayon Sports after seven seasons at the club.

During his time, Omborenga was by far the best right-back in the league and many thought the club would struggle to find a replacement to fill his shoes. But a new star in the making in Gilbert Byiringiro is rising to the occasion.

Playing his first competitive game for APR against Singida, Byiringiro put the brakes on danger man Edmund John. He defended gallantly and at times burst forward with accelerating pace.

The youngster has huge potential and he could quickly get to the level of Fitina if he gets close guidance from his coaches.

Lamptey-Dauda partnership clicks

Both Seidu Dauda and Richmond Lamptey were introduced in the second half and the duo seized the midfield. The telepathy was there and they controlled the game with wide range of passing.

Singida had no clue as they were completely mesmerized. The duo promises to be the engine of the army side should Darko Novic stick to having them together in midfield.

APR can get even better

APR had never defeated Singida until July 9, 2024. They outplayed the emerging Tanzanian powerhouse and pipped them 1-0.

From Tuesday’s display against Singida, one can easily predict a bright future for the new-look APR FC under Novic. It is early days yet but if they continue to put up such performances, they can go far or even win what would be their first CACAFA Kagame Cup since 2010.

How they fare at the tournament will give Novic and the club hierarchy a picture of what the club looks like prior to the new season.