Paske rues missed chances, Bizimana ready for Atraco

Cup holders APR Fc were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal as they were dumped out of the MTN sponsored Peace Cup competition by an organised Mukura side despite taking an early lead. The loss means that APR could for the first time since the 1997/98 season, end a season empty handed. Playing on a rugged Huye stadium surface, APR made it look like it would be a goal feast after Kabange Twite put them ahead after just 42 seconds of the game. But their fans, who followed them from Kigali and head coach Erik Paske were left to rue their missed chances as the hosts found the equalizer on the 58th minute through Daddy Birori, who capitalised on a rare defence blunder by Mbuyu Twite and Ntaganda Elias. “That is football, we squandered a lot of (scoring) opportunities in front of goal while Mukura put to use their only chance at goal and scored,” said a seemingly disappointed Paske. Labama Bokota was the main culprit in the first half after squandering a number of clear-cut scoring chances. Anxiety heightened in the APR camp as Mukura continued to push forward and could have levelled had Saidi Juma’s close range shot hit the target on the 20th minute. APR’s Djabiri Mutarambirwa continued to cause problems for the Mukura defence and could have scored after being put through by Haruna Niyonzima on the 38th minute. Towering Mukura winger, Medi Kagere was always a threat on the right wing but it was the visitors, who came close to sealing the victory in the 42nd minute but Bokota failed to beat the keeper from close range. Mukura came back strong in the second half and were rewarded when Birori took advantage of the mix up in the APR defence to drive home a low shot past Jean Claude Ndoli. Mukura’s equalizer came just a minute after Bokota had been taken off and replaced by Eric Serugaba as Paske tried to add fresh legs in his attack. There was little change as Mukura continued to attack and defend well until the final whistle. After the game, Mukura coach Ali Bizimungu was full of praise for his players, “My team has managed to knock out strong teams like Kiyovu and now APR. I’m very proud of them and now we look forward to the final with Atraco.” Ends

Lifestyle

Paske rues missed chances, Bizimana ready for Atraco