Two second half goals from Apam Assongwe and substitute Gilbert Mugisha proved decisive as APR recorded a 2-0 victory over Somalian outfit Gaadiidka FC at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Thursday, August 24, in a CAF Champions League preliminary stage second round game. The Rwandan champions survived a late scare from the Somalian minnows with a 3-1 aggregate win to set a date with Egyptian side Pyramids in the next round. Coach Thierry Froger made no change from the lineup that started during their 1-1 draw in the first leg. His men endured a difficult first half as the Somalians proved their tactical prowess by closing all spaces. The likes of Mohammed Farah, Ouattara Kouassi and Nicholas Kagaba were resolute at the back as they held Apam Assongwe and Victor Mbaoma at bay. ALSO READ: APR vs Gaadidka FC: Five key battles to look out for Both teams created decent chances but it was APR who looked more lively as Sharaf Shaiboub, Taddeo Lwanga and Ismail Nshimirimana provided the needed arsenals to the attackers who couldn't utilize them. In the absence of their danger man Pentecost Obiechina, Gaadiidka FC were poor in attack as they struggled to get to the APR vital area just like they did in the first leg. With both teams failing to make the needed impact in attack, neither of the sides managed to find the back of the net before heading into halftime break. ALSO READ: Champions League: Gaadiidka out to upset APR in second leg-duel It was APR who were under pressure as failure to win the game would see them dumped out of the Champions League campaign. They had 45 minutes to keep their dreams alive. Apam Assongwe who was lurking around the Gaadiidka penalty box broke the deadlock to give APR the lead in the 52nd minute as he capitalized on the opponents’ defensive error. The goal ignited the military side as they took control of the game with some good interposition play. The Gaadiidka FC technical bench made their first substitution in the 61st minute as they pulled off Moro Cesario for Pentecost Obiechina to add more bite to their attack. Obiechina’s introduction saw Christian Ishimwe restricting his surging runs as he kept a close eye on the Nigerian forward. Froger, on the other hand, brought on Gilbert Mugisha for goal scorer Apam Assongwe in the 70th with the Cameroonian attacker looking exhausted. APR had a free kick around the Gaadiidka penalty box area in the 75th minute but Christian Ishimwe shot it wide. The visitors’ incessant pressure yielded dividends in the 88th minute as Omborenga Fitina's cross from the right was beautifully connected by Gilbert Mugisha in the 88th minute to double APR’s lead and send their supporters into frenzy. Gaadiidka had a chance to score a consolation goal in the 90th minute but they sent their free kick far wide. APR players made no mistakes during the additional time of the game until the referee blew his final whistle as the military side qualified to the next round with 3-1 aggregate win package.
