APR FC delivered a commanding performance as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Al Merrikh SC in a pre-season friendly played at Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday. The Rwandan champions dominated proceedings for long spells and were rewarded with three second-half goals in front of delighted supporters. APR FC started brightly and looked determined to take an early lead. However, forwards Cheikh Djibril Ouattara, William Togui Mel, and Memel Dao were unable to convert a series of chances during the opening half. The closest APR came to scoring before the break was in the 36th minute, when Togui’s effort struck the post. Right back Gilbert Byiringiro also threatened with a powerful shot, but Al Merrikh goalkeeper was on hand to deny him. Al Merrikh created little in attack, with their best opportunity coming in the 29th minute when they broke through APR’s defence, only for goalkeeper Ernan Siluane to produce a crucial save. APR FC emerged for the second half with renewed intensity and finally broke the deadlock through Amani Michel. The move started when Mamadou Traore played a long ball to Togui Mel, who controlled it and laid it back into his path. Traore then delivered an inviting cross into the box, and Amani rose highest to power a header into the net. The hosts continued to push forward and doubled their advantage in the 78th minute. Memel Dao split the Al Merrikh defence with an excellent through ball, allowing Byiringiro to race into the penalty area before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper. APR completed the rout late on when Fidali Uwiyaremye latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Cheikh Djibril Ouattara and finished clinically to make it 3-0. The coaching staff made several substitutions throughout the game, introducing players including Hakim Kiwanuka, Abdul Ishimwe, Fitina Omborenga, and Uwiyaremye, as APR maintained control until the final whistle. The convincing victory provided another positive sign for APR FC as they continue preparations for the upcoming season while their fans left Kigali Pele Stadium pleased by a dominant display against one of Sudan's most successful clubs.
