Police, APR begin with wins

TodayKMKM vs AzamTelecom vs KCCACoffee vs Rayon YesterdayVital’O 5-1 Banadir Police 1-0 El MereikhAPR 1-0 Atletico Rwandan teams Police and APR FC won their opening games of this year’s Cecafa Kagame Cup against El Mereikh and Atletico respectively on Saturday at Amahoro Stadium. Police were the first to register victory of the three Rwandan teams in the competition after they beat Sudan champions El Meriekh 1-0, thanks to Kipson Atuheire’s header in 17th minute off a well taken free-kick from Jacques Tuyisenge. Andre Cassa Mbungo’s side dominated their more illustrious opponents and deserved all three points in Group C. It was an open game on both sides but Police looked the better team. El Mereikh had chances to get themselves back in the game through Allan Wanga, Mohamed Traore but their attempts were put at bay by the impressive Emery Mvuyekure in Police goal. Despite the win, Police are second in the group on goal difference behind title-holders Vital’O of Burundi, who won 5-1 against Somali champions Benadir in the first game of the day. Gilbert Kanyankore’s team got their emphatic win through goals from former Amavubi defender Hamad ‘Katauti’ Ndikumana, Mousa Mossi, Laudt Mavugo, Shaban Husein and an own goal by Mussaf Hussein Housam, while Ali Hamdumizek scored the consolation for Benadir. In the day’s last game, APR needed a stoppage time winner through their captain Ismael ‘Kodo’ Nshutiyamagara to overcome a resilient Atletico. The Amavibi defender jumped highest to send home a powerful header off well taken free-kick from substitute Patrick ‘Pappy’ Sibomana to beat goalie Emedi Kandolo Akimana. Stand-in coach Vincent Mashami handed new signing Djamar Mwiseneza his debut when the former Rayon Sports midfielder came for Jean Claude Iranzi in the second half. Sibomana came for Charles Tibingana.