APR survive Mukura scare

Now need a win from Huye MTN Peace Cup Semi-finalsSaturdayAPR 2-2 Mukura Monday First legAtraco v Rayon APR survived what would have been a humiliating defeat in yesterday’s MTN Peace Cup first semi-final leg against Mukura. The reigning champions had Jean Mugiraneza to thank when the midfielder scored six minutes from stoppage time to secure a 2-2 draw and save the club from a demeaning defeat at the packed Nyamirambo stadium. Although APR opened the scoring through Jabir Mutarambirwa on the 13th minute, Mukura who hail from the Southern Province were by far the more impressive side and there was little surprise when the visitors equalised seven minutes later through Meddie Kagere to leave the score 1-1 at half time. After the break, Mukura continued to press and earned their reward when APR’s right back Karim Nzeyimana headed into his own net on the 72nd minute after good pressure from Mukura’s forward Aboubacar Munyambengu. However, on the 84th minute, Jean Mugiraneza ‘Migi’ saved APR’s faces with a neatly worked header from a sharp cross from Mutarambirwa. Mukura almost stole a win but Nzeyimana cleared off the goal line with APR’s experienced goalkeeper Jean Claude Ndoli well beaten. APR will however be mad that they failed to convert open chances from Bokota Labama, Mugiraneza, Kabange Twite and Haruna Niyonzima. The army side seemed to struggle for confidence under the tutelage of stand in coach Claude Ishimwe. APR’s head coach Erik Paske missed the game as he is said to be sorting out some family issues back in his native country, Holland. APR now have to dig out a win from next weekend’s second leg in Huye to qualify for the final. The army-side will be seeing a lot of Mukura faces this week since they also have to play the latter in the national league in mid-week. The nine-time league champions are two points adrift of Atraco and know that any thing short of a win will all but crash their hopes of regaining the league title. Atraco lead the league charts with 47points.The 2009 Cecafa champions are also scheduled to play Rayon Sport in the other semi-final after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Police on Friday. The Monday tie will be played at Nyamirambo stadium. This year’s winner will pocket Rwf10m while the second, third and fourth teams will bag Rwf 7m, Rwf4m and Rwf2.5m courtesy of tournament sponsors MTN Rwanda. Ends