APR FC to Face Red Arrows FC in CECAFA Kagame Cup 2024 Final
The final match promises to be an exciting encounter, with APR FC seeking their fourth CECAFA Kagame Cup title, while Red Arrows FC aims to lift the trophy for the first time.
Zambian champions Red Arrows face APR FC of Rwanda today in the final of Kagame Cup. Courtesy photo
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
CECAFA Kagame Cup
Semifinals (Friday)
APR 0 Al Hilal 0
P (5) (4)
Al Wadi 0 Red Arrows 2
Finals (Sunday)
APR FC v Red Arrows (7:00 PM)
Third playoffs
Al Hilal v Al Wadi (4:00 PM)
APR FC of Rwanda and Red Arrows FC of Zambia will clash in the final of the CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup 2024 today at the KMC Stadium after both teams secured hard-fought victories in their respective semi-final matches on Friday.
APR FC, coached by Darko Novic, edged out Al Hilal of Sudan 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the match had ended 0-0 following 120 minutes of intense football action.
The Rwandan giants had made a single change to their starting lineup, with Ghanaian midfielder Seidu Dauda Yussif replacing Ugandan Taddeo Lwanga in midfield.
The match was a defensive battle, with APR showcasing their attacking intent through the combination of Olivier Dushimimana and Victor Mbaoma, while Al Hilal's Mohammed Abdelrahman was kept at bay by Clement Niyigena. The introduction of Dieudonne Ndayishimiye in the second half brought more urgency to APR's attack, but the match ultimately ended in a stalemate.
In the penalty shootout, APR scored all five of their kicks, with Ramadhan Niyibizi, Clement Niyigena, Elie Kategaya, Gilbert Byiringiro, and Mamadou Sy converting their chances. Al Hilal, however, missed their fifth kick, securing APR's spot in the final.
In the second semi-final match, Red Arrows FC of Zambia needed late goals in extra time to overcome Hay Al Wadi FC of Sudan 2-0.
Substitutes Paul Katema and Alassane Diara scored the goals, with Diara earning the Man of the Match award. Despite suffering a 5-0 defeat to Al Hilal in a group match earlier in the tournament, Red Arrows FC has secured a place in the final.
The final match promises to be an exciting encounter, with APR FC seeking their fourth CECAFA Kagame Cup title, while Red Arrows FC aims to lift the trophy for the first time.
In the third-place playoff, Sudanese teams Al Hilal and Hay Al Wadi FC will face off against each other earlier on Sunday
The champions will take home US$30,000, while the runners-up will receive US$20,000, and the third-placed team will pocket US$10,000.