APR FC hosted Gorilla FC in a preseason friendly, a high-stakes match that served as preparation for the upcoming 2024-25 football season. This was the second meeting between the two teams after their first encounter at Shyorongi ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
In their previous clash, APR FC’s goals were scored by Mamadou SY, while Gorilla FC responded with strikes from Nduwimana Frank and Mosengo Tansele.
The starting lineup for Gorilla FC featured Muhawenayo God, Akayezu Jean Bosco, Nduwimana Eric, Mousa Omar, Uwimana Kevin, Victor Murdah, Irakoze Darcy, Masudi Narcisse, Ali Sally Yipoh, Mosengo Tansele, and Nduwimana Frank.
For APR FC, their starting lineup included Ruhamyankiko Yvan, Niyigena Clement, Nshimiyimana Yunusu, Omborenga Fitina, Niyomugabo Claude, Dauda Youssif, Ngabonziza Pacifique, Ruboneka Jean Bosco, Memel Dao, Cheik Djibril Ouattra, and William Togui.
The game kicked off with APR FC prioritizing defensive strategies, forming a solid backline with players like Niyigena Clement, Yunusu, and Niyomugabo Claude. However, this defensive focus created opportunities for Gorilla FC to press forward, ultimately leading to the opening goal in the 8th minute. Mosengo Tansele struck a powerful shot that found the back of APR FC's net, setting the tone for an intense match.
Determined to level the score, APR FC intensified their attacks. In the 13th minute, William Togui connected a sharp pass to Djbril Ouattra, whose thunderous shot was impressively saved by Gorilla FC's goalkeeper, Muhawenayo God.
At the 18th minute, Akayezu Jean Bosco was penalized with a yellow card following a tough foul on Memel Dao, who was threatening to break into the penalty area. APR FC earned a free kick from this altercation, taken by Memel Dao; however, Muhawenayo God showcased his composure by easily managing the play.
Despite APR FC’s efforts to find an equalizer, Gorilla FC held firm, showcasing solid defensive skills. The intensity of the match escalated in the 43rd minute when Omborenga Fitina and Ali Sally Yipoh exchanged blows, earning yellow cards for both players. The first half concluded with Gorilla FC maintaining their narrow lead of 1-0.
The second half brought additional drama as both teams made strategic substitutions. APR FC replaced Ngabonziza Pacifique with Mamadou SY, while Gorilla FC swapped their goalkeeper, bringing in Ntagisanayo Serge for Muhawenayo God.
APR FC showed promise in the 54th minute when Mamadou SY attempted an audacious bicycle kick. Unfortunately, the ball missed its target by a whisker. Gorilla FC continued to adjust their lineup, introducing Duru Mercy Ikena and Nshutinziza Didier in the 59th minute to replace Irakoze Darcy and Nduwimana Eric.
As frustrations grew over the lack of a goal, APR FC revamped their formation, replacing William Togui with Denis Omedi from Uganda and subbing out Nshimiyimana Yunusu for Alioune Souane in the 69th minute.
The 76th minute saw a golden opportunity for APR FC via a free kick after Djbril Ouattra was fouled near the box. Memel Dao stepped up but sent his shot wide, denying the chance for an equalizer. More substitutions followed, with Mugisha Gilbert and Richmond Lamptey stepping in for Memel Dao and Djibril Ouattra at the 79th minute.
The breakthrough came for APR FC in the 84th minute when Alioune Souane scored a crucial goal to tie the match. After a hard-fought battle, the game concluded with a 1-1 draw, reaffirming the competitive intensity between the two sides during the preseason.
APR FC and Gorilla FC conclude another friendly match in a draw.
Gorilla FC opened with aggressive gameplay against APR FC.
Teams get ready moments before kickoff.
APR FC players enter the field determined to secure victory.