Two second-half goals from new signing Denis Omedi and substitute Ramadan Niyibizi were enough to secure a 2-0 victory for APR FC over AS Kigali in the 2025 Heroes Cup semi-finals at Kigali Pele Stadium on Tuesday, January 29. AS Kigali started brightly, creating their first chance in the 2nd minute. Ugandan striker Emmanuel Okwi spotted APR goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila off his line and attempted an ambitious long-range shot, but it sailed off target. APR came close to taking the lead in the 11th minute, capitalising on a missed clearance from AS Kigali’s Marc Nkubana. Winger Gilbert Mugisha pounced on the loose ball, but his strike was blocked by AS Kigali defenders. In the 24th minute, AS Kigali had another opportunity. Experienced midfielder Haruna Niyonzima played a brilliant pass into the box for striker Shaban Hussein who twisted away from his marker before firing a shot, but Ndzila was quick to punch it away. The match was highly physical, with both teams committing numerous fouls. APR’s Ugandan winger Omedi almost scored in the 40th minute, attempting a scissor kick after goalkeeper Cyuzuzo had saved Mugisha’s earlier short. However, Omedi's effort went wide. The first half ended in a goalless draw. In the second half, APR applied more pressure, pushing forward in search of the opening goal. In the 58th minute, a shot from Hakim Kiwanuaka struck the hand of Jean Bosco Akayezu, and the referee awarded a penalty. Omedi stepped up to take the kick and calmly slotted it past Cyuzuzo to give APR a 1-0 lead. AS Kigali strengthened their midfield, bringing on Didier Ndayishimiye for Shaban Hussein and leaving Okwi as the sole striker. APR coach Darko Novic made three substitutions in the 78th minute, introducing Olivier Dushimimana, Tuyisenge Arsene, and Ramadan Niyibizi in place of Kiwanuka, Omedi, and Lamine Bah. Niyibizi made an immediate impact, scoring APR’s second goal just a minute after coming on. He curled a brilliant free-kick into the top corner of the net in the 79th minute to extend APR’s lead to 2-0. Though APR continued to push for a third goal, AS Kigali’s defence held firm, and the game ended 2-0 in favour of APR. With the victory, APR qualified for the final of the 2025 Heroes Cup, where they will face their opponents on February 1.
