Former APR FC players Michel Rusheshangoga, Yves Kimenyi and Imran Nshimiyimana have strongly criticised the club following Friday’s 5-0 thrashing by Kenya’s Gor Mahia in the opening match of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup at Amahoro Stadium. Goals from captain Michael Kibwage, Patrick Esombe, Paul Okoth, Lesley Otieno and Ebenezer Assifuah secured a commanding victory for Charles Akonnor’s side, sending the Kenyan champions to the top of Group A. The heavy defeat, suffered in front of President Paul Kagame and thousands of home supporters, has raised serious questions about APR’s preparedness and competitiveness at regional level. The result came as a major shock to APR’s leadership, fans and former players who once proudly represented the military side. Former APR defender Michel Rusheshangoga expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance and urged the club’s leadership to act swiftly before the situation gets worse. “If there is something to be fixed, let it be fixed immediately. This is shameful. That is not the image or standard the club should be displaying,” Rusheshangoga said. Imran Nshimiyimana echoed similar sentiments, accusing the players of lacking commitment, determination and fighting spirit during the match. “Address this urgently. It’s a huge shame—no passion, no fighting spirit, no heart. Players are simply coasting in that jersey. It’s terrible, simply terrible,” he said. APR were outclassed from start to finish as Gor Mahia produced one of their most dominant performances in recent years. Former APR goalkeeper Yves Kimenyi also questioned the club’s recent recruitment strategy and warned that supporters could face further disappointment if changes are not made. “I have spoken about this before. Some people look for excuses where none exist. When you look at some of the players who were brought in, can you honestly say that even 10 percent of them are up to the required standard?” “You need to understand the reality of modern football. If you don’t understand it, seek help from people who do. Otherwise, supporters will continue to be disappointed. Football has evolved, and the club must adapt,” Kimenyi said. Tough night for Taleb Times Sport understands that following the defeat, APR’s leadership held a meeting with the players and head coach Taleb Abderrahim at before leaving the stadium at around 11pm. Taleb admitted that his side had performed poorly but insisted that immediate corrections would be made ahead of their next match. “It is a bad result, and we have to correct our mistakes and make sure we come back stronger in the next match,” he said. Friday’s result also carried historical significance. Gor Mahia finally avenged the 5-0 defeat they suffered against APR in Nairobi in 2009, emphatically reversing the scoreline 17 years later. APR will return to action on Monday, July 27, when they face Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine FC at Kigali Pele Stadium.
