Defending champions APR FC kicked off their 2026 Heroes Cup campaign in commanding fashion, defeating AS Kigali 3-0 in the semifinal to secure a place in the final. The match, however, only came to life in the second half. The Heroes Cup is an annual tournament held to honor Rwanda’s national heroes, who are commemorated every year on February 1. ALSO READ: Heroes Cup: Mugisha vows to score against former club in semis APR head coach Adel Adberrahim fielded a strong and familiar starting XI, with Pierre Ishimwe in goal and captain Claude Niyomugabo leading the defense alongside Clement Niyigena and Gilbert Byiringiro. The midfield trio of Bosco Ruboneka, Dauda Yussif, and Ronald Ssekiganda provided balance and control, while Hakim Kiwanuka, Gilbert Mugisha, and William Togui spearheaded the attack. AS Kigali, meanwhile, relied on experience, with Patient Ndikuriyo in goal and defenders Olivier Dushimimana, Janvier Benedata, and Sunday providing stability. Arsene Tuyisenge led the attack. Despite the quality on display, the first half was cagey and largely uneventful, with both teams canceling each other out in midfield. The main moment of controversy came in the 38th minute when Niyomugabo slid in on his former teammate Tuyisenge near the edge of the penalty area. Opinions were divided in the stands—some believed AS Kigali were denied a penalty, while others felt a free kick and a straight red card was warranted. With the incident just outside the box, the referee waved play on. Tuyisenge later had to leave the field due to injury. APR came out sharper after the break, quickly asserting control through their dominant midfield. Their pressure bore fruit in the 60th minute when Ugandan international Hakim Kiwanuka opened the scoring with a superb weak-footed finish into the bottom-left corner. Five minutes later, APR doubled their lead through William Togui, who produced a moment of individual brilliance by beating his marker before firing an unstoppable shot into the near top corner. The result was sealed in the 76th minute when Ruboneka capped off a flowing team move with APR’s third goal, underlining the club’s intent to retain the Heroes Cup. APR will now await the winner of Thursday’s semifinal between Rayon Sports and Police FC at Kigali Pele Stadium (3pm), with the final scheduled for Sunday at Amahoro Stadium.
