[PHOTOS]: APR FC are 2017 Peace Cup champions

Tuesday Peace Cup final APR 1-0 Espoir Third place playoff Rayon Sports 3-0 Amagaju FC APR FC have won the 2017 Peace Cup after defeating Espoir FC 1-0 in a nail-biting and drama-filled final at a fully packed Stade de Kigali, Nyamirambo, on Tuesday. Rwanda international Djihad Bizimana netted the lone goal that separated the two teams in the 37th minute when he lashed onto Adolphe Hakundukize’s loose ball who failed to clear the ball from inside the box. It is APR’ ninth Peace Cup since 1994. The crucial win of Peace Cup title 2017 offers them the opportunity to represent Rwanda in next year’s CAF Orange Confederation Cup. Following a disappointing season for the former league champions under the tutelage of their former player Jimmy Mulisa, APR came into this game seeking for nonthing less than a win to finish the 2016/17 season with silverware. APR finished third in the league which meant that they would not compete in any continental competition next season unless they won the Peace Cup. Yesterday’s victory handed APR the opportunity to represent Rwanda in next year’s CAF Orange Confederations Cup. On top of the trophy and a ticket to represent the country in the Confederations Cup, APR also walked away with Rwf10m in cash prize. Espoir FC president gives a cheque to the captain Albert Wilonja after winning the second position Minister for Defence James Kabarebe hands a cheque to Rayon Sports president Gacinya after winning the third position. Third place playoff Meanwhile, in the third place playoff contest, league champions Rayon Sports thrashed Amagaju 3-0 in the game that preceded the final. Nova Bayama opened the scoring for the Blues in the 60th minute after a good cross from Dominique Savio Nshuti on the left wing. Three minutes later Burundian striker Shassir Nahimana doubled the lead with a chip after miscommunication between goalie Fabrice Fikiri and his defenders, while seven minute later Olivier Seif Niyonzima scored the third to give Djuma Masudi’s side a comfortable win. Espoir, that finished in the second place, bagged Rwf5m while Rayon Sports walked away with Rwf3m for a third-place finish with Amagaju FC taking Rwf1m for their fourth finish. Rayon Sports were last year’s Peace Cup winners. APR FC fan club hold a message to thank Rusheshangoga who will join Tanzanian Premier league in the next season APR FC head coach Jimmy Mulisa and his players celebrate the ninth Peace Cup title of his side at Stade de Kigali yesterday. APR FC midfielder Djihad Bizimana in action. He netted the lone goal in the 37th minute. APR FC right-back Michel Rusheshangoga is thrown in the air as his teammates celebrate his transfer to Singinda FC. Senior RDF officers chat during the match at Stade de Kigali. APR midfielder Djihad Bizimana leads his teammates to celebrate his goal yesterday. editorial@newtimes.co.rw