Heroes Cup: APR thrash Etincelles as ten-man AS Kigali hold Rayon

Wednesday APR 4-0 Etincelles Rayon 0-0 AS Kigali Dominique Savio Nshuti, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Yves Mugunga and Jean de Dieu Akayezu were all on target as APR thumped Etincelles 4-0 yesterday in the ongoing 2019 edition of the Heroes Cup football tournament at Kigali Stadium. The military side registered the much needed victory to get back into the title race after losing 1-0 to AS Kigali in the tournament’s opener last Saturday. Quick-fleet winger Nshuti opened the scoring in the 28th minute to hand Jimmy Mulisa’s side a 1-0 first-half lead. Forward Hakizimana doubled the lead in the 65th minute before Mugunga and Akayezu completed the 4-0 routing with two goals within two minutes, in the 76th and 77th minute, respectively. Meanwhile in another day 2 match on Tuesday, holders Rayon Sports failed to beat AS Kigali, who played 41 minutes with one man down, as both sides shared goalless spoils. Midfielder Eric Nsabimana was sent off in the 50th minute after being booked for a second time following his hard tackle on Gilbert Mugisha. After two match rounds, with one to go, Rayon and AS Kigali are level on four points, but the former lead courtesy of a superior (2) goal difference. APR are third with three points while winless Etincelles are located at the bottom without single point. AS Kigali will take on Etincelles in their last game, while Rayon will be up against bitter rivals APR. Both games will be played on the eventual National Heroes Day, February 1, at Kigali Stadium. The Heroes Cup tournament is organized every year by the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO) to celebrate heroes of the country. editorial@newtimes.co.rw