Peter Agblevor was the hero of the day as his second half brace helped Police FC to come from behind to stun APR 2-1 and win the 2024 Heroes Cup. The game was marred by refereeing controversy when assistant referee Eric Mugabo flagged for a throw-in for APR FC but he later rescinded it to award it to Police FC. Carnot Shami threw the ball to Agblevor who made mincemeat of Niyigena before firing home Police winner. APR players mobbed the referee protesting his biased officiating before they were stopped by officials. The game took an eight-minute break as players expressed their discontent towards the match officials. It was an end-to-end action from the start of the game though APR posed more threat upfront. A delightful ball from an overlapping Fitina Omborenga found Yannick Bizimana but his effort inside the 18-yard box in the fifth minute missed the target. Alain Kwitonda then found an easy route on the wings as he started to completely mesmerize Police FC left-back Derrick Ndahiro. APR broke the deadlock in the 13th minute through Yunusu Nshimiyimana who headed home a beautiful free kick from Omborenga Fitina. Police FC started to get their acts together after conceding the goal as the game turned more physical. Police nearly snatched an equalizer in the 18th minute as Peter Agblevor's goal bound shot was cleared off the line by Clement Niyigena. It was Police’s turn to attack in the 26 minute when goalkeeper Onesime Rukundo passed a long ball which found Muhadjiri Hakizimana. The midfielder beat Christian Ishimwe to it but goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila came to the rescue as he agonizingly blasted his shot over the bar to the relief of the APR fans. Despite being a goal down, Police FC dominated possession with their swift build ups. Muhadjiri saw his volley saved by Ndzila before he fumbled but finally grabbed a 44th minute 30-yard drive by Pacifique Ngabonziza. The first half ended with APR FC leading 1-0. The second half begun brightly for both teams as they pushed more men forward. APR head coach Thierry Froger brought on Gilbert Mugisha for Yannick Bizimana as Sharaf Shaiboub moved to an improvised central striking role with Kwitonda on the other flank. APR almost doubled the lead in the 69th minute but Rukundo pulled a marvelous save as he tipped Shaiboub’s powerful header over the cross bar. Froger brought on Ramadhan Niyibizi for Taddeo Lwanga whereas Mashami replaced Eric Niyonsaba with Djibrine Aboubakar to add spark in attack. Djibrine made an immediate impact as his cross found Agblevor who restored parity for Police FC with a stunning header as he soared high above his marker to nod the ball home in the 80th minute. After the equalizer, Mashami opted for two strikers as he pulled Savio Nshuti out and brought on Didier Mugisha to partner with Agblevor. Agblevor completed a brace in the 86th minute with a superb strike after a controversial throw that made APR players launch towards the referee. APR pushed for the equalizer but Police held on until Referee Aline Umutoni blew her whistle for the end of the game. APR not only lost the trophy to Police but the team’s unbeaten run also came to a shocking end while Mashami’s exploits proved fruitful.
