Kagame Cup

Yesterday

APR 1-0 Sofapaka

CHIUKEPO Msowoya’s short stint at APR keeps getting better by the day. The Malawi international took his Kagame Cup goal tally to six after netting APR’s winner in yesterday’s semi-final clash with Sofapaka of Kenya.

Despite playing for over 70 minutes with ten men, the army side, chasing for a third title, held on for a hard fought 1-0 victory to keep their 100% record at the tournament intact.

After a closely contested first five minutes, APR took control of the game and went ahead on the 10th minute when Victor Nyirenda crossed for Msowoya to score.

However, ten minutes later, APR were reduced to ten men when defender Tchimanga Mutamba was shown a straight red by Ugandan referee Ally Kalyango for elbowing Anthony Kimani.

With the numerical advantage, Sofapaka started pressing but could not break down the army side’s backline of Kalisa Mao, skipper Patrick Mafisango, Albert Ngabo and Didier Logba Sella.

In the second half, Bebeto Luamba who came on for Msowoya missed three open chances. APR then had goalie Jean Luc Ndayishimiye to thank for denying Hugo Nzoka on the 87th minute.

After the game, APR coach Erik Paske was all praise for his team. "The aggression and will to win was there and I just want to congratulate the whole team for the performance.”
While his Sofapaka counterpart Bobby Ogalla still questioned APR’s goal, he conceded that APR deserved to reach the final.

In 2004, APR lifted their first regional title after beating Kenya’s Ulinzi 3-1. Three years later, the military side was back at it, this time edging Uganda Revenue Authority 2-1.

APR will now play the winner between reigning champions Atraco and St. George of Ethiopia.

Ends