APR HC completed the comeback of the Rwanda Men Handball Championship, overturning a 2-0 series deficit to defeat Police HC 31-29 in Game 5 and claim their fourth national title. Backed by passionate supporters from both sides at the Petit stade on Tuesday, APR HC and Police HC produced the match of the year in Rwandan handball, living up to the expectations of a winner takes-all-final showdown. The decisive encounter lived up to its billing, delivering intensity, physical battles and drama from the opening whistle to the final buzzer. ALSO READ: APR HC, Police HC square off in title-deciding Game 5 After 22 minutes, APR HC and Police HC were locked at 11-11, with neither side able to establish control. Every possession was fiercely contested as disciplined defending and aggressive play highlighted the importance of the championship clash. A pair of crucial saves from APR goalkeeper Arsene Uwayezu, coupled with missed scoring opportunities by Police, allowed APR to seize their chances. The military side responded with three unanswered goals to open a 14-11 advantage before taking a 16-14 lead into halftime. Goalkeeper Uwayezu made five first half saves, while Police goalkeeper Timothy Nshimiyimana recorded three. At the break, the outcome remained impossible to predict. ALSO READ: APR HC beat Police HC in Game 3 to keep title hopes alive The second half brought even more drama. Police supporters erupted when their team leveled the score at 19-19, but APR’s disciplined defense quickly restored control. By the 47th minute, APR had opened a four goal cushion at 28-24, inspired by Bryan Wakhuka’s six goals and Viateur Rwamanywa’s seven-goal performance. Police remained in the contest through the scoring of Yves Kayijamahe and Emmanuel Kubwimana, but APR managed the closing stages with composure. Despite a late timeout from the Police bench, Anaclet Bagirishya’s men never surrendered their advantage. The final whistle confirmed a 31-29 victory, completing an extraordinary comeback from two games down to lift the championship. Commenting on the finals comeback, APR coach Bagirishya said, “It wasn't easy. After we went 2-0 down, morale was low, but the club administration and our officers kept encouraging us. They gave us the belief to fight back and win the title. ALSO READ: Police HC edge closer to title defense after Game 2 win over APR HC The coach also praised his players for trusting the process. I want to thank my players because they understood my message. Today we are champions, and we are proud to represent Rwanda at the African Club Championship in Angola this October. Wakhuka, one APR’s standout performers, described the triumph as a special personal goal. We knew from the beginning of the finals that we were better than them. Winning the title in my first season feels like a birthday gift. After losing the championship last year, this is a great achievement for the team. The celebrations extended well beyond the court. APR supporter Amurani Niyomufasha said the fans never stopped believing. We waited a long time for this fourth title. Even after losing the first two games, we never lost faith in the team. We stood behind them, and now we are Rwanda handball champions. On the other side, disappointment was evident in the Police camp. Goalkeeper Timothy Nshimiyimana admitted his side failed to capitalize on key moments despite taking a commanding lead in the series. We lost because we missed too many scoring chances. It hurts because we started the series very well, but we didn't play our best in the most important moments. The victory crowns APR HC as 2025/26 Rwanda Men's Handball champions, completing a remarkable turnaround and denying Police HC what would have been an 11th league title. APR will now represent Rwanda at the African Club Championship in Angola later this year, carrying renewed confidence after one of the most memorable title runs in the competition.
