PHOTOS: Super Cup: Police FC defeats APR on penalties to claim title

Police FC clinched their first-ever Super Cup title after triumphing over APR FC in a tense penalty shootout that ended 6-5 in Police’s favour. The two teams played out to a goalless 90 minutes at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday evening, despite creating a number of chances that would have resulted in goals. Police FC had the first big chance as early as the third minute, but Djibrin Akuki lost control of the ball when he should have passed it to Elijah Ani who was positioned in a dangerous area. APR FC came close to scoring in the 12th minute when defender Yunusu Nshimiyimana passed the ball back to goalkeeper Pavel Ndzila. A collision between the goalkeeper and Police FC’s forward Richard Kilongozi saw the ball deflect off the post, narrowly avoiding an own goal. Just two minutes later, Ani Elijah continued to trouble APR's defence, dribbling past two defenders before being fouled by Dauda Yussuf just outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick was expertly taken by Muhadjiri Hakizimana but was tipped off the bar by Ndzila to keep the score 0-0. Back in the second half, in the 62nd minute, APR’s Jean Bosco Ruboneka unleashed a powerful shot from 35 meters, forcing Niyongira into a difficult save. With neither side able to break the deadlock after 90 minutes, the match proceeded to spot-kicks. Penalty shootout drama The penalty shootout started with Clement Niyigena confidently converting APR’s first spot-kick. Police’s Muhadjiri Hakizimana responded by scoring the law enforcers as well. After that, Mahamadou Sy calmly scored APR’s second, before Ani Elijah also converted for Police. The game shifted when Dauda Seidu missed APR’s third penalty, allowing Eric Nsabimana to put Police ahead. Alioum Souane scored APR’s following penalty, while Police’s Issah Yakubu missed their fourth. With that, the shoot-out was tied 3-3. Gilbert Byiringiro scored APR’s fourth penalty, and Didier Mugisha did the same for Police. After that, it was time for APR’s goalkeeper to step up and take a spot kick, which he did successfully; but Police’s Simeon Iradukunda also scored to level the shoot-out. The decisive moment came when Richmond Lamptey missed APR’s seventh penalty, and Police’s Abeddy Bigirimana coolly converted his spot-kick, sealing a 6-5 victory for the law enforcers. Goalkeeper Patience Niyongira was the hero of the day, saving crucial penalties from Dauda Seidu and Richmond Lamptey to secure the historic win.

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PHOTOS: Super Cup: Police FC defeats APR on penalties to claim title