Karekezi spurs APR to cup triumph

MTN Peace cup3rd Place Rayon Sport 2-2 AS Kigali (5-4) penaltiesFinalAPR 2-1 PoliceAPR skipper Olivier Karekezi yesterday came off the bench to score the winner in his side’s hard fought 2-1 win over Police in a thrilling finale that brought out the best in the country’s military and law and order teams. The first half was very tight with very little chances being created by both sides and both coaches decided to make tactical changes in the second half with APR pulling off midfielder Ngoma Hegeman for striker Olivier Karekezi who brought some life in the military side’s attack minded side.Police coach Goran Kopunovic, who always seems animated on the touch line blurting out instructions decided to change his strikers and removed Burundian International Laudit Mavugo and brought on Brazilian Elivardo Oliveria.The changes seemed to make quick effect for the two clubs and Police struck first when striker Meddie Kagere, who was kept quiet for most of the evening by the ever efficient Mbuyu Twite, was brought down by Ugandan International Johnson Bagoole. The Amavubi forward scored from the spot kick but it was not long before Karekezi set up Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza for an equalizer.The full 90 minutes ended with the two teams drawing 1-1 and the next 15 minutes of extra time produced little chances at goal. With just seven minutes before the end of extra time, Karekezi scored the winner as the military side won the final in extra time against the same opponents for the second year running.APR walked off with Rwf5m cash prize for winning the tourney and midfield maestro Papy Faty was also rewarded with 2 Galaxy phones for being the best player of the tourney and joint top scorer alongside Meddie Kagere.Popular Rayon Sport fan Rwarutabura also got a Galaxy phone for being the best fan. Police, Rayon Sport and AS Kigali received Rwf 3.5m, 2.5m and 1.5m respectively as cash prizes.Rayon Sport had earlier defeated AS Kigali 5-4 on penalties after drawing 2-2.

Sports

Karekezi spurs APR to cup triumph