APR FC and Al Hilal SC began their BK Pro League campaigns with victories on Wednesday, as APR FC came from two goals down to beat Marine FC 4-2 while Al Hilal defeated Kigali FC 2-0 at Kigali Pele Stadium.
The two sides were making their league debuts this season after their opening fixtures were postponed because of their participation in the CAF Champions League. Both clubs progressed from the preliminary round of the continental competition.
Al Hilal dominated its afternoon encounter with Kigali FC, formerly AS Kigali, and took the lead in the 16th minute through Ansumana Samura.
Samura was involved again in the second half, setting up Ahmed Salem for Al Hilal’s second goal in the 63rd minute. He was later named player of the match.
Kigali FC struggled to threaten the Sudanese side’s goal and finished the match without a shot on target. Al Hilal, by contrast, registered 11 shots on target, with goalkeeper Ndikuriyo Patient making several saves.
In the evening fixture, Marine FC produced a strong first-half performance against APR FC, taking a 2-0 lead through Sibomana Sultan Bobo in the 16th minute and Ntirushwa Aime in the 35th.
APR FC responded quickly, with Cheick Djibril Ouattara reducing the deficit in the 37th minute after receiving a pass from Kouadiokan Michel Breygeneve Amani.
APR FC coach Taleb Abderrahim introduced Hakim Kiwanuka at halftime, replacing Amani, and the Ugandan winger helped transform the game.
Kiwanuka set up Raouf Memel Dao for APR FC’s equaliser in the 51st minute before providing another assist for captain Ouattara, who completed his brace in the 61st minute to put APR FC ahead.
With Marine FC tiring, APR FC continued to press and added a fourth goal in the 81st minute through substitute Uwiyaremye Fidali, who finished from William Mel Togui’s pass.
The victory extended APR FC’s unbeaten record against Marine FC in the league.
APR FC moved into third place in the provisional standings, with Al Hilal occupying fourth.
Ouattara moved to the top of the league’s scoring chart with two goals, while Kiwanuka leads the assist standings with two.
The BK Pro League continues on Thursday, with Mukura VS&L hosting Police FC at Kamena Stadium in Huye at 3 p.m. Rayon Sports will face newly promoted Sunrise FC at Kigali Pele Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
