APR outshines Vital’O

RPF anniversary tourneyYesterdayAPR 2-0 Vital’OTodayRayon Sport vs. SC VillaDec. 18FinalGOALS from Jean Claude Iranzi and Tumaine Ntamuhanga ensured national champions APR beat Burundian side Vital’O to book a place in the final of the RPF’s 25th anniversary football tournament due next week.Iranzi, benefited from some slack defending against Idi Jumapili to unleash a long range shot which goalie Justin Ndikumana could not save at Stade de Kigali which was packed to capacity.Coach Eric Nshimiyimana’s players impressed against their Burundian counterparts and Tumaine Ntamuhanga scored from the same spot another stunning goal on the 32nd minute.The result meant that APR have booked a place in the final awaiting the winner between Rayon Sport and SC Villa who face each other today.APR dominated the game from the off set and deservedly went in front courtesy of Iranzi’s goal as he finished from 30 yards out following an impressive move.Their lead should have been doubled just a few minutes later but Emery Bayisenge’s shot went wide before Ntamuhanga snatched a second goal benefiting Iranzi’s corner to shoot past Ndikumana.The military side improved after the break, but were unable to turn their possession into chances. The Burundian giants had minimal attempts on goal from Michel Girukwishaka and Christian Mbirizi but none could cause a challenge to goalie Jean Claude Ndoli.Nshimiyimana said, “It was a good start and we dominated the game. I am happy for the discipline, determination and performance exhibited by my young players,”Vital’O Coach Yaounde Kagabo Kanyankore said, “It was a disappointing performance but since I am building a new team, this is a learning process and a chance for me to evaluate the level of each individual player,”The former Rayon Sport coach blamed the loss to the unavailability of his five first choice players who are on national team duty with Intamba ku Rugamba where they will host Kenya in the first leg of the CHAN qualifiers on Sunday.Action continues today with six-time league champion Rayon Sport taking on Villa Sports Club of Uganda. The winner will face APR in the final set for Tuesday after the third position play-off action.The winner will walk away with US$10,000 (about Rwf6.6m) on top of the trophy while first runner-up will get US$7,000, US$5,000 for third placed team, while the fourth will receive US$3,000.The 25th RPF anniversary will be marked under the theme: Governance, prosperity and dignity for our people.