The highly anticipated Inkera y’Abahizi opener unfolded this Sunday at 3 p.m. in Kigali's Stade Amahoro. APR FC demonstrated their dominance early in the match, maintaining control over possession.
In the 7th minute, a defensive lapse by APR FC provided Eddy Ismael with a prime chance to score, but his efforts fell short. The Rwandan side continued to use the right flank effectively, led by Hakim Kiwanuka, though converting opportunities into goals remained a challenge.
At the 26th minute, Ruboneka Jean Bosco came close to breaking the deadlock with a shot, but it missed the target by a wide margin. Power Dynamos pushed through for opportunities but faced resistance from APR FC’s formidable goalkeeper, Ishimwe Pierre. The first half ended with neither side finding the back of the net, resulting in a scoreless draw.
The match shifted momentum in the second half as APR FC intensified their efforts. At the 49th minute, Djibrill Ouattara headed home the opening goal following a well-placed free kick delivered by Ruboneka Jean Bosco. Just three minutes later, Ouattara doubled APR’s lead, capitalizing on a critical mistake from Power Dynamos’ defense.
Substitutions played a key role in the game’s dynamic. At the 60th minute, Power Dynamos replaced Innocent Kashita and Austin Muwowo with Chifundo Mphasi and Titus Chansa. APR FC made significant lineup rotations, bringing on Aliou Souane, Byiringiro Jean Gilbert, Mamadou Lamine Bah, Denis Omedi, Mugisha Gilbert, and William Togui to replace Djibrill Ouattara, Fitina Ombolenga, Nshimiyimana Yunusu, Hakim Kiwanuka, and Mamadou Sy.
The game heated up in the closing stages. Mugisha Gilbert, freshly on the pitch, fired a powerful shot that grazed the fingertips of the goalkeeper before bouncing off the post. In the final minutes, Power Dynamos mounted persistent attacks, with Titus Chansa nearly scoring after his strike hit the woodwork following a deft save by Ishimwe Pierre. Ultimately, APR FC walked away victorious with a 2-0 triumph.
The Inkera y’Abahizi action continues next week. Azam FC from Tanzania will face AS Kigali on Tuesday at 3 p.m., while APR FC will go head-to-head against Police FC at Kigali Pele Stadium at 7 p.m.
APR FC players celebrate Djibrill Ouattara's incredible goal in the Inkera y’Abahizi tournament.
Djibrill Ouattara shines as the hero of APR FC's victory over Power Dynamos FC.
APR FC starts Inkera y’Abahizi with a winning performance against Power Dynamos FC.