APR FC Honorary Deputy Chairman Gen. Mubarakh Muganga has publicly apologised to the club’s supporters following Friday’s shock 5-0 defeat to Gor Mahia in the opening match of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, describing the performance as unacceptable and promising a strong response.
Expectations were high for APR FC, particularly after an active recruitment drive aimed at strengthening the squad ahead of the 2026/27 season and the club’s upcoming CAF Champions League campaign.
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However, the Rwandan champions suffered one of their heaviest defeats in recent memory, leaving thousands of fans stunned and raising fresh questions about the team’s readiness for the season ahead.
Speaking on Radio Rwanda’s sports programme on Saturday, Gen. Muganga expressed regret over the result and said the players and technical staff had been reminded of their responsibilities.
"To APR FC fans and football lovers who came to support us in the opening match of the CECAFA Kagame Cup, on behalf of APR FC, I sincerely apologise for ruining the start of the tournament for you,” Gen. Muganga said.
"The players performed very poorly. Immediately after the match, I met the coaches and players and clearly told them that their performance was unacceptable.”
The army chief revealed that discussions held after the match ended with the players acknowledging their shortcomings and committing to a much-improved performance in the remaining fixtures.
"The players and coaches apologised and pledged to fight for victory. On behalf of the entire APR FC family, I once again ask for your forgiveness and invite you to come and witness the players fulfil that promise,” he added.
The defeat has intensified scrutiny on APR FC, a club widely expected to dominate domestic football and make a stronger impact on the continental stage after investing heavily in new talent during the transfer window.
APR FC will now seek redemption when they face Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine FC in their second Group A match on Monday, July 27, at Kigali Pelé Stadium.