APR beat Musanze in postponed league game
Friday, October 06, 2023
APR FC and Musanze FC players vie for the ball during a 2-1 league game at Kigali Pele Stadium on Friday, October 6. Courtesy

Two first half goals from Jean Bosco Ruboneka and Victor Mbaoma were all APR FC needed to beat Musanze FC 2-1 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Friday, October 6.

The match was rescheduled due to APR's involvement in continental campaign in which they were eliminated in the second round by Pyramids FC.

The 2-1 victory over Musanze moved APR to the second position on the league table with 10 points though they have one more game to play.

Both teams made changes to their starting lineup with Gambian national team goalkeeper Modou Jobe making his first start for Musanze whereas Clement Niyigena makes his first league appearance since May.

APR started the game brightly as they didn't allow Musanze to settle. They piled pressure on the visitor's and it resulted in a goal through Bosco Ruboneka in the 11th minute.

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The early goal further changed the phase of the game as APR took total control.

Clement Niyigena and Yunusu Nshimiyimana were very solid at the back in the opening minutes as they put the brakes on the league's top scorer Peter Agblevor who has scored four goals against APR in four games.

Nigerian attacker Victor Mbaoma who was pairing Gilbert Mugisha in attack for APR increased the tally in the 20th minute with a beautiful effort which the opposing keeper had no chance.

Going down 2-0 in the first 20 minutes, Musanze chose to put more men at the back in order to defend and catch APR on the break with Nicholas Ayomide and Peter Agblevor being their two men upfront.

The first half ended with APR leading by 2-0 and being the better side.

The second half saw the game being concentrated in the midfield with APR's Taddeo Lwanga sitting in front of the back for as the ball winner.

Musanze also had skipper Patrick Ntijyinama who served as the engine of his side with a commanding midfield display.

Musanze greatly improved upon their game with the introduction of Pacifique Tuyisenge as he begun to open up the game.

Tuyisenge netted a consolation for Musanze in the 88th minute following a late onslaught.

The game ended 2-1 for APR and moved them to the top of the league table.