Zambian outfit Red Arrows beat APR FC 10-9 on penalties in Sunday’s final at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salam, Tanzania to win the 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup.
The Zambians defied the odds, rising from progressing to the semifinals as the best second-placed team in the group stages to lifting the trophy at the expense of the army side who finished the tournament unbeaten.
It was a highly competitive game as the Zambian navy-sponsored club beat APR FC through a marathon penalty shootout.
Congolese attacking midfielder Ciel Ebengo scored the winning penalty after new signing Arsene Tuyisenge missed his spot kick when he sent it over the cross bar.
Being regarded as underdogs ahead of the final lifted the burden off Red Arrows who came into the final knowing that APR eliminated Al Hilal who had beaten them 5-0 in the group stages.
It was the Zambian side which looked more purposeful on the pitch in the early stages of the match as they made a host of incursions into the APR penalty box.
ALSO READ: Novic names 24-man squad for 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup
Their early dominance yielded dividends as they won a penalty in the 8th minute after an infringement inside the APR 18-yard box. Goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila beautifully saved the spot kick from Ciel Ikoko to keep the score goalless.
APR seized the midfield with Bosco Ruboneka and Seidu Dauda running the show.
Meanwhile, Red Arrows’ attacking trio of Ricky Banda, Allasane Diarra and Anthony Shipanuka created a host of chances before the 20th minute mark but they caused little to trouble to Ndzila with their final delivery.
APR, on the other hand, warmed themselves into the game. Victor Mbaoma and Olivier Dushimimana found themselves in scoring range in the 35th and 42nd minutes respectively but excellent defending from Peter Kalota thwarted their efforts.
Neither side managed to break the deadlock as they head into half time all square 0-0.
After recess, Red Arrows were on the front foot as they literally pinned the APR players into their own half.
They piled pressure on APR FC’s defense with a host of attacking threats which left Yunusu Nshimiyimana injured after dislocating his shoulder. Coach Darko Novic had no choice but to replace him with Alious Souane after doctors signaled that the defender was not ready to return to the pitch.
The Red Arrows attackers looked more physical in the final end of the field. After numerous attempts in front of goal, Ricky Banda finally broke the deadlock and shot his side ahead with a fabulous finish in the 63rd minute.
APR FC since dominated the ball possession as they looked to push for an equalizer. Novic brought on Mohamadou Sy and Dieudonne Ndayishimiye for Victor Mbaoma, who had a quiet game, and Olivier Dushimimana respectively whereas Richmond Lamptey came in for Ramadhan Niyibizi. Arsene Tuyisenge also replaced Gilbert Mugisha who was looking tired.
Defeat was staring at the face of APR FC before substitute Mohamadou Sy pulled the nut out of the blazing fire with an 89th minute equalizer finishing off Lamptey through pass to level the scores and force the match into extra time.
Still, no team managed to score the winning goal in the added 30 minutes of extra time only to let penalty shootouts to decide the winners of the tournament.
APR were eager to win their fourth CECAFA Kagame Cup, their first since 2010, until the ninth penalty kick before Arsene Tuyisenge the 10th. Red Arrows converted all their 10 spot kicks to win the trophy 10-9 on penalties.
On top of the trophy, Red Arrows walked away with a cash prize of $30,000 while finalists APR pocketed $20,000.
Al Hilal Omdurman finished in third place after beating Hay Wadi 3-2 on penalties after regulation time had ended 1-1. They Sudanese side took home $10,000.
Despite losing the final, defender Clement Niyigena was named the player of the tournament.