APR defeats Police in Amahoro Stadium Inauguration Trophy

 

President Kagame greets APR FC players before a friendly match against Police FC at the inauguration of Amahoro stadium ©️ New Times

Rwandan Army side APR beat their rivals Police FC 1-0 on Monday, July 1 to win the Amahoro Stadium inauguration trophy with presence of Rwandan President, Paul Kagame and CAF president Patrice Motsepe.

The crunch tie, which poked Rwanda’s 2023/24 league champions against 2023 Peace Cup winners, took place as part of the inauguration of the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium before thousands of spectators.

Moments during the APR - Police clash ©️ New Times

The Army side having Darko Novic coaching his first match since taking charge a week ago, he praised his players for showing character during the win over Police FC but again admitting the team isn’t at the level he wants them to be.

"The boys need credit because they worked hard to win this game. I am happy with the way the players applied themselves on the field. The showed their character and mentality of winning and they have done what I wanted, so I am very happy and I am looking forward to seeing them to do more," the Serbian told the press in a post-match interview.

Darko Novic, APR head coach ©️ New Times

He however, mentioned that his side still has areas to improve as to better prepare for the tournaments to be coming up.

APR’s Gilbert Mugisha became the first player to find the back of the net at the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium as his first half strike spared the army side to the victory at the expense of Police FC’s Vincent Mashami’s charges and Novic was of full praise for the winger, who he said could have better than he did.

“Gilbert was fresh today and he showed he causes a lot of problems for the opposing team. He could have scored two more goals in the second half,” he said.

Now, APR are to be turning their concentration on the forthcoming CECAFA Kagame Cup 2024 that will take place in Tanzania from July 6^th to 22^nd.