APR beat Marines FC 2-1 on Wednesday in a keenly-contested Peace Cup quarter finals first leg encounter held at Bugesera Stadium
Yannick Bizimana put the army side ahead with a great finish after eight minutes after the team had been in control of the game from the start.
The early goal unsettled Marines as APR pinned them into their own half. The visitors had to chase the game as they resorted to soaking pressure and trying to play on the counter attacks.
APR's dominance paid off as Gilbert Mugisha doubled the lead in the 33rd minute.
Marines got out of their shells and had a penalty in the 38th minute which was beautifully converted by Olivier Usabimana to pull one back before recess.
Jean Pierre Muganuza, Manzi, and Thaibo Mbonyumwami were in their element for Marines as they searched for the equalizer with great attacking football.
APR also had some decent chances with the likes of Anicet Ishimwe and Bosco Ruboneka failing to convert either of them.
There was a late onslaught from APR to increase the tally but Marine defenders remained stable as the game ended 2-1 for the army club.
Ben Moussa is targeting a double in his first season as the head coach but his side will need to avoid any setbacks when they visit Marines for the second leg match slated for April 26.
Other games
It was party time at Ngoma Stadium, Rwamagana City pulled a surprise 3-2 victory over Kiyovu Sports to send their supporters into frenzy.
The Green Baggies were leading 2-1 at half time before Rwamagana put up a powerful comeback in the second half to beat the visitors 3-2 and put the Mumena-based side’s Peace Cup hopes in serious jeopardy.
Elsewhere, Soter Kayumba's goal on the stroke of halftime helped Mukura Victory Sports to beat Musanze 1-0 at Huye Stadium.
The two Peace Cup quarter final second leg fixtures will take place on April 25.
Meanwhile Police will have to wait for who, between Rayon Sports and Intare FC, will come out as winners of the round of 16 whose second leg has been delayed.
Rayon beat Intare 2-1 in the first leg but the latter has been avoiding to play the second leg since Rayon announced their withdrawal from the Peace Cup on March 8.
The two clubs have on various occasions been locked in a row with the football governing body (Ferwafa), challenging the federation’s controversial decisions that prompted it to reschedule the match three times.
The federation on Tuesday, April 4, informed both clubs that the match will take place although it remains unclear when it will take place.