Frodouard Mugiraneza’s second half equalizer proved vital for SC Kiyovu who held APR FC to a 1-1 draw in Wednesday’s Peace Cup semi-final first leg encounter held at Bugesera stadium.
The midfielder scored from Kiyovu’s incredible counter attack from their goal just 25 seconds after APR’s Yunusu Nshimiyimana’s header hit the crossbar.
His strike canceled out APR’s first half lead after striker Alain ‘Bacca’ Kwizera opened the scoring for the home side.
It was APR who started the match brilliantly, dominating the first 20 minutes of the game. The home side looked sharp in front of goal but Kiyovu relied on buildup displays.
Bonheur Mugisha, who controlled the midfield, had a powerful shot in the 21st minute but his attempt went wide.
The military side kept posing pressure on the visitors until Bacca scored the opening goal for the home side after 23 minutes of the game.
Innocent Nshuti stepped up well and passed the ball to Yannick Bizimana who then connected with Alain 'Bacca' Kwitonda to score without stopping to give the military side the lead.
SC Kiyovu regrouped pushing for an equalizer but failed to capitalize their chances until the pair went in at the half time break.
The Green Baggies started the second half in dominant fashion, imposing their game with dangerous chances which could have resulted in goals.
Norodien Riyaad made a fantastic free kick in the 61st minute but goalkeeper Ishimwe came out well and punched the ball over the crossbar to keep his team in the game.
Ishimwe also made another crucial save as he punched the ball to deny Bertrand Iradukunda’s shot from the penalty box only for Mugiraneza to send it back into the back of the net and cancel APR’s lead in the 71st minute.
The visitors kept creating more chances to score a winner but APR's defense made important defensive displays until the referee blew the full time whistle.
The pair, who are also separated by three points in the title race with two games to go, will have to let Saturday’s replay in the second leg at Muhanga Stadium decide who must face either Rayon Sports or Mukura in the final.