APR FC cruised to their first league victory thanks to a stunning Sharaf Eldin Shaiboub Ali strike, earning a deserved 1-0 win over Police FC.
Due to the continental engagement, the defending champions APR had to postpone their first round against the Marines, therefore their league launch was a security derby versus their police counterparts.
Despite the absence of Ismael Nshimirimana due to injury, the Rwanda Premier League title holders were able to break down a Police team that was camped deep in the first half when Shaiboub hammered a shot from outside the box following some exquisite Christian Ishimwe play on 41 minutes.
In the second half, Police’s Mashami made three substitutions and began to play with three at the back, dominating possession and creating several goal possibilities, but APR’s goalkeeper Ndzila appeared to be watchful and determined.
APR’s Thierry Froger earned the league’s first victory in front of a full Kigali Pele Stadium crowd, while Police suffered their first defeat of the season after defeating Sunrise in the season opener.
Next Saturday, APR FC will travel to Ngoma Stadium to play Etoile de l’Est, while Police FC will host Mukura on Sunday at KPS.
Musanze leads the league
This is how Mashami and Froger opted to set up their teams.
APR FC XI: Pavelh Ndzila, Omborenga Fitina (c), Christian Ishimwe, Salomon Bindjeme, Prince Buregeya, Taddeo Lwanga, Ramadhan Niyibizi, Sharaf Eldin Shaiboub Ali, Alain Kwitonda, Gilbert Mugisha Gilbert, and Nshuti Innocent
Police FC XI: Onesime Rukundo, Carnit Shami, Ali Kwitonda, Samuel Ndizeye, Eric Rutanga, Eric Nsabimana, Abed Bigirimana, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Savio Dominic Nshuto (C), Didier Mugisha, and Chukwuma Odili
