Kagame Cup

Quarterfinals

APR             2-1 Simba
Rayon Sport 0-0 Sofapaka
Sofapaka won 7-6 on penalties

APR remained on course for a third Kagame Cup title after yesterday’s hard fought 2-1 quarter-final win over Simba of Tanzania at Amahoro stadium.

Malawi International Chikuepo Msowoya gave APR an early lead when he netted his fifth goal of the tournament on the 10th minute but 19 minutes later, the Kenyans were back into the contest courtesy of Emmanuel Okwi’s superb finish.

The Uganda scored a brilliant goal after dribbling past Chimanga Mutamba and Mao Kalisa to finally send a powerful shot past APR shot-stopper Jean Luc Ndayishimiye a.k.a Barame.

In the second half, both sides failed to convert open chances but it was APR who would have the last laugh. With the game looking like it was headed for penalties, APR midfielder Jean Baptista Mugiraneza a.k.a Migi broke Simba hearts with an 85th minute strike.

Earlier on, Sofapaka beat Rayon Sport 7-6 on penalties after a 90-minute goalless draw.

Laurent Tumba scored the decisive penalty after Jerome Sina had shot wide for the blues.

While Simba reached the last eight on the back of one win and two defeats in Group C, APR progressed in style after winning all their group (A) games although their final tie with TP Mazembe ended unceremoniously when the game’s referee Girma Zekeria (Ethiopia) was kicked in the chest for showing the Congolese side’s captain Tresor Mputu a red card.

Unable to continue refereeing, the game was called off to preserve APR’s 100% record at the tournament. At the time of the fracas, the army side had taken a 1-0 lead through Kabange Twite.

On the other hand, Sofapaka remain the only side not to concede a goal in normal time of play at the tournament. The tournament winners are set to pocket $30,000 while first and second runners up are set to bag $20,000 and $10,000 courtesy of President Paul Kagame.

Ends