APR FC head coach and his assistants celebrate the 2-0 win over AZAM FC at Amahoro Stadium on Saturday, August 24. APR FC saw off Tanzanian outfit Azam with a 2-1 aggregate victory to advance to the next round of the 2024 CAF Champions League. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza
APR FC defied the odds and saw off Tanzanian outfit Azam with a 2-1 aggregate victory to advance to the next round of the 2024 CAF Champions League.
Darko Novic's side made it past the preliminary round after overcoming their 1-0 first leg deficit in Tanzania to beat Azam 2-0 in the second leg in Kigali on Saturday, August 24.
Attacking midfielder Bosco Ruboneka opened the scoring in the 44th minute before forward Gilbert Mugisha doubled the lead for the military side in the 61st minute to send the Tanzanians packing.
APR FC's goal scorers Gilbert Mugisha and Jean Boco Ruboneka pose for a photo with team Captain Jean Claude Niyomugabo during the celebration of the second goal
APR FC went into the encounter searching for a by at least a two-goal margin to advance to the next round of the continental competition.
The game started slowly with no side creating clear goal-scoring opportunities, but the military side made the most of their superior possession and attacking prowess to find the breakthrough in the first 30 minutes.
APR FC beat AZAM FC 2-0 in the second leg match at Amahoro Stadium. All photos by Olivier Mugwiza
Their pressing paid dividends in the 44th minute when Ruboneka broke the deadlock, finishing off Claude Niyomugabo's wonderful cross, to draw the two-legged tie level 1-1 before the half time break.
Back in the second half, Azam looked more dangerous searching for an equalizer, but the home side looked solid and well organized in defence.
Azam's Cheiks Sidibe Pascal Msindo and Gibril Sillah both had the chance to score but failed to hit the target before Fei Toto also missed an opportunity to level the scores in the 60th minute.
Their time-wasting had to be punished by APR who doubled their lead through Mugisha after a miscommunication between Azam defenders and goalkeeper Mohamed Mustapha.
After scoring second goal, the hosts looked in a relaxed mood as they took control of the tie. Novic immediately switched his tactics as he started to defend and launch quick counter attacks as Azam trying to dominate the possession in the closing stages of the game.
Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Mubarakh Muganga celebrates the 2-0 crucial win against AZAM FC at Amahoro Stadium on Saturday, August 24. APR FC saw off Tanzanian outfit Azam with a 2-1 aggregate victory to advance to the next round of the 2024 CAF Champions League.
APR FC's Jean Bosco Ruboneka, who is the scorer of the first goal, captured here controls the balll during the game
APR introduced new blood as Mamadou Lamine Bah made way for Richmond Lamptey while Seidu Dauda Mugisha and Mamadou Sy were replaced by Ramadhan Niyibizi and Victor Mbaoma and Chukwuemeka respectively.
Aliou Souane was later introduced after Taddeo Lwanga hobbled off injured.
Azam kept pushing for an equalizer, but the Lions held on to keep a clean sheet and booked a ticket to the second round.
After eliminating Azam, the military side now has an uphill task to outst Pyramids in the second and final round if they are to reach in the group stages.
The second leg match between APR FC and AZAM took place at the newly revamped Amahoro Stadium
APR FC chairman, Col Richard Karasira (Left) and other team supporters arrive at the stadium to watch the game
AZAM FC players before the game
APR FC starting squad posing for a group photo
APR FC Head coach Darko Novic communicates to his players during the game.
The second leg match took place at Amahoro Stadium
The military side made the most of their superior possession and attacking prowess to find the breakthrough in the first 30 minutes.
APR FC captain Claude Niyomugabo in action as his side beat Azam 2-0 in the second leg in Kigali on Saturday, August 24.
After eliminating Azam, the military side now has an uphill task to outst Pyramids in the second and final round if they are to reach in the group stages.
Attacking midfielder Bosco Ruboneka opened the scoring in the 44th minute.
APR FC' striker Jean Bosco Ruboneka (L)
APR FC captain Claude Niyomugabo celebrates the second goal, scored by Gilbert Mugisha in the second half.
Army side players celebrate the first goal scored by attacking midfielder Bosco Ruboneka who opened the scoring in the 44th minute.
APR FC's goal scorers Gilbert Mugisha and Jean Boco Ruboneka
Team captain Claude Niyomugabo and his team mate celebrating the win at Amahoro Stadium.
Supporters warmly celebrate the crucial win as the Army Side eliminated the Tanzanian giants AZAM FC in their second leg match at Amahoro stadium
Players battle for the ball during the second half
APR FC eliminated Tanzanian giants AZAM FC in their second leg match at Amahoro stadium
APR FC's Ruboneka vies for the ball with AZAM players in the second half
APR FC supporters during the match
AZAM FC coach looks disappointed following the defeat in Kigali
APR FC Chairman, Colonel Richard Karasira celebrates with players as they beat AZAM FC at Amahoro stadium. Photo by Steven Mugenzi
APR FC Chairman, Colonel Richard Karasira celebrates the 2-0 victory over AZAM FC at Amahoro stadium. Photo by Steven Mugenzi
Gilbert Mugisha, the scorer of the second goal celebrates the victory
APR FC captain Claude Niyomugabo in celebration of the victory
Supporters cheer on players after eliminating AZAM FC
One of the Army side fans congratulates players on their crucial win over AZAM
APR FC Chairman, Colonel Richard Karasira celebrates the 2-0 victory over AZAM FC at Amahoro stadium.
Supporters cheer on players after beating AZAM at Amahoro Stadium