APR VC produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Rwanda Energy Group (REG) 3-2 in a five-set thriller at Petit Stade on Friday, extending their winning run to three consecutive matches after recovering from a two-set deficit. REG looked set for victory after taking the opening sets 25-21 and 25-17, but APR fought back to win the next three 25-22, 25-15 and 15-13, completing one of their toughest wins of the campaign. Benon Mugisha's team, started strongly, using a powerful front line featuring middle blocker Sam Engwua, opposite hitter Thon Maker and outside hitter Nicholas Matui to put APR under pressure. APR struggled to break through REG’s block, with star attacker Wicklif Dusenge denied twice as the electricity distributors maintained their advantage. Engwua eventually scored the set point to give REG a 25-21 victory. The second set followed a similar pattern. Despite APR coach Sammy Mulinge retaining his starting lineup, which included Dusenge, captain Prince Kanamugire and setter Paul Akan, REG continued to dominate through the attacking efforts of Matui and Maker. REG took the set 25-17 to move within one set of victory. APR responded in the third set, with Dennis Ireke stepping up to help the army side avoid a straight-set defeat. They improved their attacking play to claim the set 25-22 and reduce the deficit. Both coaches made changes in the fourth set. REG introduced Romeo Rwamuhizi for opposite hitter Merci Gisubizo, while Mulinge rested Dusenge and brought on Hakeem Mukailah. The changes gave APR additional attacking options through Mukailah and Ireke, making it harder for REG to contain their offence. APR took control of the set, winning 25-15 to force a decisive tie-break. The fifth set was closely contested, but APR held their nerve to edge REG 15-13 and complete the comeback. After the match, Mulinge praised his players for fighting until the end, while acknowledging that some members of the squad were still building chemistry. “We played hard despite some shortcomings, as some players in our roster are yet to build chemistry with the rest. For instance, Dusenge and Ireke. But I thank the boys for resisting until the end. Our goal now is to continue winning, game by game,” he said. In another men’s match, Kigali Volleyball Club recorded their first victory after two consecutive defeats, beating RP-Ngoma 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-12). In the women’s category, APR WVC defeated Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) 3-0, winning 25-14, 25-18 and 25-17 to secure another victory. The Rwanda Volleyball League continues on Saturday, October 31, at Petit Stade, with four matches scheduled. Saturday’s fixtures Women Kepler WVC vs RP-Huye – 12pm Police WVC vs Ruhango – 2:30pm Men Police VC vs Kirehe VC – 5pm East African University Rwanda (EAUR) vs Gisagara VC – 7pm
