PHOTOS: Rayon Sports win Agaciro tourney

Azam Rwanda Premier League champions, Rayon Sports defeated ten-man APR 1-0 on the final day of the 2017 Agaciro Development Fund tournament played on Saturday afternoon at Amahoro National Stadium.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Peter Kamasa

Rayon Sports players celebrate the Agaciro Development Fund title after beating APR FC 1-0 at Amahoro National Stadium yesterday. / Sam Ngendahimana

SaturdayAS Kigali 2-1 Police FCAPR FC 0-1 Rayon Sports

Azam Rwanda Premier League champions, Rayon Sports defeated ten-man APR 1-0 on the final day of the 2017 Agaciro Development Fund tournament played on Saturday afternoon at Amahoro National Stadium.

Rayon Sports. / Sam Ngendahimana

APR FC starting line-up. / Sam Ngendahimana

Defence Minister James Kabarebe and other officials watch the match. / Sam Ngendahimana

Fans cheer on their team's performance in the first half. / Sam Ngendahimana

Former Army side defender Faustin Usengimana tries to defend his side. / Sam Ngendahimana

It was a big celebration for the Blues to win their first cup with Olivier Karekezi. / Sam Ngendahimana

Former APR full back Eric Kamotera Rutanga converted a free kick in the 87th minute after APR captain Helve Rugwiro brought down striker Shassir Nahimana near the edge of Rayon Sports 18-year box.

"I am happy to win the game and also win my first trophy in my coaching career. This is big motivation going forward, now we are going to prepare for next week’s Super Cup,” Rayon Sports head coach Olivier Karekezi said after the match.

Agaciro Development Fund CEO Jack Kayonga hands a cheque of two million to APR FC captain Albert Ngabo for their second position. / Sam Ngendahimana

APR FC attacking midfielder Muhadjiri Hakizimana battles for the ball with his former teammates Eric Rutanga and Yannick Mukunzi. / Sam Ngendahimana

APR FC head coach Jimmy Mulisa shares a smile with Olivier Karekezi Rayon Sports manager before the game. / Sam Ngendahimana

Army side players look so dejected after losing the match against archrivals. / Sam Ngendahimana

His opposite number Jimmy Mulisa of APR FC said, "We lost concentration in the last minute and we were one man down, which made it very difficult for us. We wanted to win but we didn’t, only one team can win.”

The 2017 Peace Cup holders, APR were reduced to ten players after midfielder Muhadjir Hakizimana received a second booking in the 75th minute.

Rayon Sports took the trophy and Rfw3m in cash prize while APR, who finished in second place, took Rwf2m and third-placed AS Kigali went home with Rwf1million.

Army side winger Martime Sekamana dribbles past Rayon Sports defender Thierry Manzi during the match. / Sam Ngendahimana

Both teams observed a minute of silence to honour late Evariste Mutuyimana Rayon Sports goalkeeper who passed away on Tuesday. / Sam Ngendahimana

Rayon Sports goalie Ndayishimiye, seen here in action, was acknowledged to be the best goalkeeeper of the tourney. / Sam Ngendahimana

Saddam Nyandwi tries to control the ball with APR FC defenders in the match. / Sam Ngendahimana

Rayon Sports dominated the proceedings where they got about six good scoring chances but failed to use them. They had the ball in the back of the net in the fifth minute but ruled out for offside.

Djihad Bizimana and Onesme Twizerimana for APR, and Bonfils Bimenyimana and Olivier Seif Niyonzima were booked for Rayon Sports.

Since 1995, both sides have met 79 times in official matches with Rayon Sports winning 24 and APR 32 while the other 23 matches have ended in draws.

Rayon Sports skipper Ndayishimiye receives a cheque of 3 M after his side win the Agaciro Development Fund Tourney. / Sam Ngendahimana

Rayon Sports' striker Caleb Bimenyimana vies for the ball with Army side defender Herve Rugwiro during the match. / Sam Ngendahimana

Rayon's assistant coach Lomami holds the draw paper that allowed his club to win the Agaciro Development Fund Tourney. / Sam Ngendahimana

The Agaciro Development Fund champions' celebrate the crucial win with their new coach Olivier Karekezi. / Sam Ngendahimana

Meanwhile, new signing Frank Kalanda scored twice in the first and nine minutes for AS Kigali as they beat Police FC 2-1 in the early kick off, while Rwanda international forward Abeddy Biramahire netted for Police in the 43rd minute.

The four-team tournament organized by the local football governing body, FERWAFA, as part of raising funds towards the Agaciro Development Fund, the country’s sovereign wealth fund.

Police FC, who were the defending champions having won the first edition staged in 2015, finished this year’s championship with three consecutive defeats.

The clash between APR FC and Rayon Sports was the first one for the former APR FC captain and forward Karekezi after joining Rayon as their head coach. / Sam Ngendahimana

Rayon Sports fans. / Sam Ngendahimana

Midfielder Yannick Mukunzi who joined Rayon Sports was recognized a best player. / Sam Ngendahimana

The Agaciro Development Fund Cup winners join their fans to celebrate the trophy after beating APR FC 1-0 at Amahoro National Stadium. / Sam Ngendahimana

Other winners:

Top scorer: Frank Kalanda 2 goals (AS Kigali) Rwf100,000).

Best goalkeeper: Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye (Rayon Sports) Rwf100,000

Promising player: Martin Fabrice Twizeyimana (APR FC) Rwf100,000).

Best player: Yannick Mukunzi (Rayon Sports) Rw100,000).

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