Omedi hits brace in APR’s comeback win over Kiyovu

Ugandan forward Denis Omedi scored a double as APR came from behind to beat Kiyovu Sports Club 2-1 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday, February 8, to close the gap at the top of Rwanda Premier League to just two points. The army side’s new signing put his name on the scoresheet on his debut league appearance in a performance that left supporters and club hierarchy in awe but also deepened Kiyovu’s relegation struggles. APR head coach Darko Novic started Omedi, countryman Hakim Kiwanuka and Djibril Ouatarra, all of whom joined the club in the January transfer window. The trio led the Lions’ attach while Gilbert Mugisha missed the match due to unspecified reasons. On the other hand, Cherif Bayo, Darcy Mutunzi and Kevin Ishimwe led Kiyovu’s attacking line as new coach Marcel Lomami looked to upset APR in an attempt to get his team out of the relegation zone. Both teams started aggressively, but it was Kiyovu who surprisingly pinned APR to their own half. The early dominance from the bottom-placed side yielded dividends as early as in the 11th minute as new boy David Niyo shot them ahead. The goal awakened APR from their slumber as they took hold of the game. Seidu Dauda and Bosco Ruboneka controlled the midfield, allowing the front three to get into vital areas in the Kiyovu Sports penalty box. Omedi, who had been tormenting the Kiyovu defenders, restored parity for APR with a superb finish in the 25th minute. ALSO READ: Denis Omedi's rise, Puskas award nomination new chapter at APR APR dominated possession since then as Novic pushed more men upfront pushing for a match winner. Ouattara and Bah had good chances to put the army club ahead before Omedi pulled his magic again with the second goal in the 41st minute. The second half saw Kiyovu recoiling to their shells and trying to hit APR on the break but none of their attempts could yield dividends. APR missed dozens of chances with Kiwanuaka, substitute Mamadou Sy and a host of others being the culprits. Elsewhere, forward Sunzu Bonheur came from the bench to score the only goal of the game in the 76th minute as Mukura Victory Sports pipped Muhazi United 1-0 at Huye Stadium while, at Bugesera Stadium in Nyamata, veteran Haruna Niyonzima marked his return to the Rwanda Premier League with a goal as his 52nd minute strike powered AS Kigali to a 1-0 win over Bugesera FC. Police FC also had a frustrating afternoon at Umuganda Stadium as Moussa Gatera's Rutsiro FC held them to a goalless draw.