APR FC defeated Etincelles FC 2-1 in a friendly at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu on Sunday as the club continues preparations for the 2026/27 season and works to rebuild confidence after an early CECAFA Kagame Cup exit.
APR FC coach Taleb Abderrahim used the match to assess a heavily rotated squad, with goalkeeper Hakizimana Adolphe and Amani Kuodiakan Michel among the few regular starters.
APR FC broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when Amani played Uwiyaremye Fidali through on goal. The forward kept his composure to beat the Etincelles goalkeeper and put APR FC ahead.
Etincelles responded strongly after falling behind, abandoning their defensive approach and creating more pressure in the APR FC half.
Their efforts paid off when Kasapu Ibrahim fired a powerful shot from the right side of APR FC’s defence, beating goalkeeper Hakizimana Adolphe to level the score.
The teams went into halftime at 1-1, with APR FC enjoying more possession but struggling to turn its dominance into clear chances.
Abderrahim made nine changes at the start of the second half, retaining only Amani and Hakim Kiwanuka from his starting lineup.
The changes gave APR FC greater attacking momentum, with the team improving its passing and creating more pressure around the Etincelles penalty area.
APR FC regained the lead in the 72nd minute when Amani delivered a cross from the right and William Mel Togui rose to head the ball into the net.
Etincelles could not find a second equaliser as APR FC held on to secure a 2-1 victory.
The result gives APR FC six wins in seven matches played this year, although the club’s recent form must be viewed against the backdrop of its disappointing CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign, where it exited in the group stage after a 5-0 defeat to Gor Mahia.
The friendly was APR FC’s second since the continental tournament and is part of the club’s preparations for the upcoming season.
Abderrahim said APR FC is seeking more high-level friendly matches, including possible encounters with Sudanese sides Al Merrikh and Al Hilal.
Etincelles coach Bizimana Abdu, popularly known as Bekeni, said his team will continue its preparations with another friendly against Musanze FC at Umuganda Stadium.
