PHOTOS: Police FC edge APR in Heroes’ Cup opener

Ten-man Police FC edged holders APR FC 1-0 in the opening match of this year’s Heroes Cup tournament while Rayon Sports and AS Kigali drew 0-0 at Amahoro National Stadium on Saturday.

Saturday, January 20, 2018

Peter Kamasa

Rayons Sports skipper Pierrot Kwizera vies for the ball with AS Kigali's Benedata during the 0-0 draw in Heroes Cup at Amahoro National Stadium. / Sam Ngendahimana.

SaturdayAPR FC 0-1 Police FCRayon Sports 0-0 AS Kigali

Ten-man Police FC edged holders APR FC 1-0 in the opening match of this year’s Heroes Cup tournament while Rayon Sports and AS Kigali drew 0-0 at Amahoro National Stadium on Saturday.

Midfielder Hussein Habimana scored goal in the 45+1 good pass from Dominic Antoine Ndayishimiye.

Police FC were reduced to ten men when goalkeeper Emmanuel Bwanakweli was sent off by referee Jean Paul Ngabonziza in the 35th minute after a dangerous tackle on APR striker Lague Byiringiro outside the box.

APR forwards Issa Bigirimana, Byiringiro and Onesme Twizerimana squandered scoring chances. At the stroke of half-time, Police took a surprise lead through Habimana.

In the second half, Police forward Dominic Antoine Ndayishimiye hit the crossbar while Isaie Songa had three chances but denied by goalkeeper Emery Mvuyekure.

APR coach Jimmy Mulisa used his new signings including Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, Jean Claude Iranzi and youngster striker Byiringiro but they could not help the army side to get anything from the game.

Meanwhile, Azam Rwanda Premier League champions Rayon Sports, who were missing key players (up six Rayon Sports players are with Amavubi in CHAN finals) while four are injured, (Bonfils Caleb Bimenyimana, Ismaila Diarra, Nova Bayama and Jean D’Amour Ndayisenga).

Rayon Sports, without head coach Olivier Karekezi, who is in Sweden for family reason, dominated proceedings and created numerous opportunities but with little success in terms of attempts on target.

Newly appointed assistant coach Jeannot Witakenga fielder all the new signings including; Cameroonian Chris Mbondi, Ugandan Yassin Mugume, Burundian Hussein Tchabalala Shaban and Nigerian Yussuf Balogum Ola. Rayon had only two players on bench, Abouba Bashunga and Gilbert Mugisha.

AS Kigali had four clear scoring chances and new signing Fuadi Ndayisenga hit the upright in first half while Emmanuel Ngama hit the crossbar in first half.

APR FC Head coach Jimmy Mulisa chats with Iranzi during the match that Army side lost against Police FC.

APR FC head coach talk to new players Iranzi and Migi during the match.

APR FC lost the game in which new players Jean Mugiraneza (Migi) and Iranzi played.

APR FC winger Maxime Sekamana controls the ball during the match against Police FC.

Army side forward Eric Tuyishimire tries to go past Police FC 's Nzeyimana.

David Nzabanita of Police FC vies for the ball with APR ' Buregeya at Amahoro National Stadium Stadium.

Goalkeeper Kassim Ndayisenga speaks to his teammates during the match.

Jeannot Witakenge gives instructions to his players during the match.

Police FC defender Hussein Habimana celebrates the goal after stunning Army side 1-0.

Police Fc's Antoine Ndayishimiye tries to go past APR FC defender Prince Buregeya during the match.

Rayon Sports defender Sadam Nyandwi in action during the second half.

Rayons Sports players listen to Jeannot Witakenge during a 0-0 draw against AS Kigali in Heroes Cup Tourney.

Rayons Sports skipper Pierrot Kwizera vies for the ball with AS Kigali's Benedata during 0-0 draw in Heroes Cup 2018 games at Amahoro Stadium yesterday.

Referee Claude Ishimwe gives instructions Rayons Sports players.

Striker Shabani Husein Shabarara battles for the ball with AS KIGALI defender.

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