A second half finish from left -back Christian Ishimwe proved to be the match winner as APR FC came from a goal down to beat Kiyovu Sports 2-1 on Sunday, May 14 at the Kigali Pele Stadium to set a final date with arch rivals Rayon Sports. The army side looked determined to knock Kiyovu out of the semifinal as they look to save their season with the Green Baggies leading the way in the Rwanda Premier League title race. The first chance of the game fell to APR after just two minutes. Gilbert Mugisha moved dangerously towards Kiyovu’s 18-yard box and was brought down by defender Ali Serumogo but Yves Kimenyi comfortably saved Omborenga Fitina’s free kick. The early attacking scare woke Kiyovu who immediately responded with an opening goal through Riyaad Noordien fired home an excellent free kick to give the home side the lead after 10 minutes. Nordien nearly made it 2-0 in the 13th minute following a sweet build up involving Abedi Bigirimana and Erisa Ssekisambu but his effort from close range inside the box was saved by goalkeeper Pierre Ishimwe. APR looked lively with almost all their attacks coming from the right with Omborenga always making offensive moves. The experienced lateral defender was superb as all his crosses were getting into the vital area though the army side’s attack failed to capitalize them. Against the run of play, Kiyovu launched a swift counter attack with Ali Serumogo sending in a delightful cross but Bigirimana’s header went wide. APR had a free kick in the 43rd minute and Yunus Nshimiyimana's spectacular drive from 30 yards was saved by Kimenyi who sent it out wide. Christian Ishimwe whipped in the resultant corner for an unmarked Innocent Nshuti to head home for the equalizer. The first half ended with the scores at 1-1 as both teams displayed quality football. The army club started the second half brightly as they pinned the Green Baggies into their own half. Bosco Ruboneka who operated in central midfield for APR was the heartbeat of the team as he did all the dirty work and brought stability to his side. Ishimwe latched onto a ball from midfield in 55th minute and used pace to beat Noordien to the ball before firing it into the first post to double APR’s lead after Kimenyi failed to save it. Abedi Bigirimana had two glorious chances to restore parity for Kiyovu but he blew them away. He first failed to swiftly connect with Erisa Ssekisambu’s cross which he fumbled and the ball was cleared before he thwarted a scissor kick three minute later. Kiyovu Sports brought on Amissi Bizimana for Ismail Nshimirimana as they decided to go more on the offensive to force a comeback. APR's attack grew in confidence as they were doing the needful by trying to get behind the Kiyovu defenders. The visitors had the ball at the back of the net in the 83rd minute through Alain Kwitonda after a fantastic build up from the left but the goal was ruled for offside. The final five minutes of the game saw both teams pushing more men forward but it yielded no dividends as the game ended 2-1 in favor of APR, advancing to the final with a 3-2 aggregate victory. They will now lock horns with bitter rivals Rayon Sports in the finale slated for June at Huye Stadium. The Peace Cup winner will represent Rwanda in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
