Final APR FC 1–1 Police FC (Police FC win 7–6 on penalties) Nigerian defender David Chimezie held his nerve to score the decisive penalty as Police FC lifted the Heroes Cup 2026, edging rivals APR FC 7–6 on penalties after a tense 1–1 draw in regulation time at Amahoro Stadium on Sunday. The triumph marked Police FC’s second Heroes Cup title in three years, having also defeated APR in the 2024 final. For APR FC, hopes of back-to-back titles ended in heartbreak after yet another agonising shootout loss. ALSO READ: Byiringiro’s penalty sends Police FC into Heroes Cup final The final began cautiously, with both sides showing mutual respect in midfield. Police captain Eric Nsabimana was the first to attract the referee’s attention, receiving a yellow card in the ninth minute for stopping Gilbert Byiringiro as he threatened to break into the box. Despite neat passing sequences from both teams, clear-cut chances were limited. Police came close in the 19th minute when Christian Ishimwe’s corner found Nsabimana, whose header drifted narrowly wide. APR responded through Hakim Kiwanuka and Gilbert Mugisha, but Mugisha failed to direct his header on target. APR goalkeeper Pierre Ishimwe was called into action late in the half, pushing away a powerful long-range effort from Byiringiro to keep the scores level. The first half ended goalless. ALSO READ: APR FC thrash AS Kigali 3–0 to reach Heroes Cup final APR FC emerged with greater intent after the restart and were rewarded in the 52nd minute. William Togui produced a moment of brilliance, finishing with a stunning bicycle kick after a perfectly delivered cross from Kiwanuka to give the defending champions the lead. Police FC gradually grew into the contest and found their equaliser in the 67th minute. Leonard Gakwaya capitalised after APR defender Yunussu Nshimiyimana collided with his own goalkeeper, calmly slotting home to restore parity. Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages. Police survived a dramatic goal-line clearance by Dieudonné Ndayishimiye, while APR threatened through Mamadou Sy and Togui, both denied by Police goalkeeper Onesime Rukundo, whose saves forced the match into penalties. Penalty drama decides winners The shootout proved long and nerve-racking, with both teams converting confidently in the early rounds. Police’s trump card was goalkeeper Patience Niyongira, introduced late in the second half, who saved crucial penalties from Dauda Yussif, William Togui, and Ronald Ssekiganda. The decisive moment arrived when Chimezie stepped up to convert the ninth penalty, sealing a 7–6 victory and sparking wild celebrations among Police FC players and supporters. Rayon Sports WFC on the podium again... The women’s Heroes Cup ended on favour of Rayon Sports WFC after they defeated Indahangarwa in the final earlier in the day. Emeline Mukagatete and Angelique Umuhoza were on target for the Blues who dominated the final to win their second trophy of the season after beating the same team to win the Super Cup.
