PHOTOS: Kwitonda scores thunderbolt in APR comeback against Mukura

APR FC winger Alain Bacca Kwitonda came from the bench to score a powerful long range strike to inspired APR FC to a 4-2 dramatic comeback against Mukura VS in Saturday’s Rwanda Premier League encounter. The Rwanda international has been struggling for playing time since Darko Novic’s arrival but he seized the very few minutes as a substitute prove his worth with a thunderbolt that sent the home supporters at Kigali Pele Stadium into wild celebrations. APR FC survived an early scare as they came from behind to score three second half goals to beat Mukura VS in the six-goal thriller. Mukura made the first incursion at goal in the first minute as a shot from Jordan Dimbumba was saved by Pavelh Ndzila. The visitors had three corners in the first five minutes as they put APR under pressure but couldn't utilize the chances as the army side gradually warmed themselves into the game. APR had their first chance in the 10th minute after a sweet buildup involving Claude Niyomugabo but Lamine Bah hit the final shot off target. Ndzila nearly gifted Mukura the lead in the 11th minute as he tried to dribble Boateng Mensah but lost the ball. He was, however, quick to clear the danger as his coach Novic fumed with rage on the bench. Abdul Jalilu powered APR ahead with a superb header from a Jordan Dimbumba corner in the 17th minute as Mukura took a deserved lead. ALSO READ: APR FC share spoils with Police FC in epic encounter Boateng Mensah made it 2-0 for Mukura in the 23rd minute after pouncing on another blunder in the APR FC backline. The lead, however, didn’t stop Mukura from piling more pressure on APR as they pushed for more goals. Christian Nisingizwe received the first yellow card of the game in the 30th minute following a foul on Taddeo Lwanga in the Mukura half. Olivier Dushimimana and Zuberi Hakizimana collided in an aerial tussle in the 40th minute and both had to go out for treatment. APR pulled one back in the 44th minute through Dushimimana as he poked home from close range after a missed clearance from Obed Uwumukiza. There was five minutes of added time after the first 45 minutes had elapsed as Mukura went to the break leading 2-1. Novic brought on Jean Bosco Ruboneka for Taddeo Lwanga before the second half started as he hoped to go more on the offensive. Just two minutes into the second half, Dimbumba dislocated his shoulder as he was fouled by Clement Niyigena while trying to shoot a ball. He went out for treatment. APR pulled even in the 48th minute through a fabulous goal from Arsene Tuyisenge. Substitute Bosco Ruboneka went past his marker in midfield before finding Tuyisenge who beat Chris Rushema easily before side footing goalkeeper Nicholas Sebwato to make it 2-2. Fred Nizoneye came in for Dimbumba in the 61st minute as Mukura coach Lotfi Afahmia changed to 4-2-3-1 formation. Mukura were dealt to yet another blow when Zuberi Hakizimana sustained an injury in the 65th minute and could not continue, paving way for Jean Marie Vianney Muvandimwe. APR also brought on Kwitonda for goal scorer Dushimimana who looked so lost at the time. APR piled pressure on Mukura pushing for a winner and their push paid dividends as Clement Niyigena, who was standing out of the penalty box, fired a volley past Nicholas Sebwato to make it 3-2 in the 73rd minute Substitute Kwitonda netted an absolute beauty from 40 yards as he hit a screamer to the roof of the net in the 78th minute to make it 4-2. Mukura made their third change in the 83rd minute with Justin Irumva coming in for Sunzu Bonheur. The final minutes of the game saw both teams playing aggressively as APR held on to their 4-2 win. APR have now climbed to third place with 25 points while Mukura stay in seventh place with 17 points.

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PHOTOS: Kwitonda scores thunderbolt in APR comeback against Mukura