Wednesday, March 11 Bugesera FC 1-0 Etincelles AS Kigali 0-0 Gorilla FC Gasogi United 1-0 APR FC Gasogi United shocked APR FC with a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Peace Cup quarterfinals played at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Wednesday. The result gives Alain Kirasa’s side a crucial advantage heading into the second leg, where a draw will be enough to secure a place in the semifinals. Forward Ebenezer Niyigena scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute after a swift counterattack. APR had pushed forward in search of a goal but lost possession, allowing Danny Ndikumana to recover the ball and deliver a precise pass to Niyigena, who calmly beat Adolphe Hakizimana in a one-on-one situation. Earlier in the first half, APR thought they had taken the lead in the 25th minute, but the goal was disallowed for a handball. The two teams will meet again next week for the second leg, where Gasogi United will progress to the semifinals if they avoid a defeat. APR FC, meanwhile, will need at least a one-goal victory to force extra time, while a larger margin would secure direct qualification. The two sides have a recent rivalry in the competition. In 2025, APR FC eliminated Gasogi United 1-0 on aggregate, while in the 2024 Peace Cup quarterfinals, Gasogi United knocked APR out 4-3 on penalties after both legs ended goalless. Earlier on Wednesday, Bugesera FC defeated Etincelles FC 1-0 at Bugesera Stadium, while AS Kigali played out a goalless draw with Gorilla FC at Kigali Pelé Stadium in other quarterfinal first-leg matches. The remaining quarterfinal clash will see Rayon Sports face Police FC in what is expected to be one of the toughest ties of the round at Kigali Pelé Stadium. The Peace Cup remains one of Rwanda’s most prestigious football competitions, known for its competitiveness and its role in promoting unity through sport. Beyond national pride, the tournament also carries continental significance, as the winner automatically qualifies to represent Rwanda in the CAF Confederation Cup.
