APR edge determined Muhanga in shootouts

JEAN CLAUDE NDOLI made two saves in the penalty shoot-out as seven-time champions APR completed a dramatic 10-9 win over AS Muhanga on spot-kicks in the Peace Cup 1/8th round at Kigali Regional stadium after a goalless draw in regular time Vincent Mashami’s side produced a dismal performance in their quest to end two years of running without a trophy. The hosts had a poor first half as they found stubborn resistance from goal keeper Hassan Jumaine, who twice repelled efforts from Ismail Nshutiyamagara and Maxime Sekamana. Mashami’s men struggled to hold off AS Muhanga who displayed a solid midfield led by Hamad Uzabakiriho. In the second half, the contest began to open up but it was still APR players who looked more threatening, with striker Barnabe Mubumbyi failing to utilise two clear chances after the hour mark. Midfield Yannick Mukunzi replaced injured Andrew Buteera to beef up the midfield as AS Muhanga lost first choice goalkeeper Jumaine to a head injury. Jumaine was replaced by youthful Kabes Hategikimana. APR mounted a good defense, forcing Crispin Ibyimana, Claude Mumbere and Innocent Nzabarinda to change tactic and try long range shots which could not scare goalie Ndoli. Ndahinduka had a clear attempt when he headed past goalie Hategikimana only to have the ball go off target. APR’s best moment of the match arguably came in the shoot-out as Nshutiyamagara, Heritier Turatsinze, Yannick Mukunzi, Michel Rusheshangonga, Ernest Sugira, Jean Claude Ndoli, Tumaine Ntamuhanga, Jean Baptista Mugiraneza, Albert Ngabo and Maxime Sekamana sealed the deal for a side occupying second position in the Turbo King Football League. Michel Ndahinduka penalty was saved before Ndoli had the last laugh after cleanly putting off two shots from Frank Makengo and goalie Hategikimana. For the record, Hamad Uzabakiriho, Jean Paul Uwihoreye, Crispin Ibyimana, Emmanuel Hakizimana, Innocent Nzabarinda, Ally Ibrahim, Simon Tshipangira, Said Claude Mumembere and Dominique Ndayishimiye scored AS Muhanga’s penalties, but the damage had already been done. APR will face the winner of the other 1/8th round tie between Rayon Sports and AS Kigali on June 6. AS Kigali won their 1/16th fixture against Rwamagana 3-1 yesterday at Kicukiro turf to match into the 1/8th round. This fixture was not played on time due to the club’s engagement in Africa club competitions last month. Elsewhere, Police thrashed Mukura 3-1 in Muhanga to set up a quarter final battle against Musanze who won 8-7 on spot kicks following a 2-all draw against second division side Kirehe. Relegation battling side Amagaju progressed to the last eight after hammering second division club Etoile de l’est 4-0. Okoko Godfroid’s side will face Sec Academy that beat Aspor 4-1 at Kicukiro turf. Espoir snatched a slim 1-0 win over Gicumbi in Muhanga to set up a rivalry battle against SC Kiyovu in the quarter finals after the old giants defeated relegation battling Esperance 2-1 at Mumena turf. The winner of the tournament will represent the country at next year’s Caf Confederation Cup. AS Kigali are defending champions following last year’s 3-1 final win against AS Muhanga.