Gasogi United secured a narrow but significant 1–0 victory over APR FC in the first leg of the Peace Cup quarterfinal played at Kigali Pelé Stadium, delivering one of the most talked-about results of the competition so far.
The decisive moment came in the 75th minute when substitute Ebenezer Niyigena found the back of the net, giving Gasogi United a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg scheduled for next week.
For supporters of the club, the victory represented more than just a single goal. It was a statement performance against one of Rwanda’s most decorated football teams and a demonstration that Gasogi United remains a formidable challenger in domestic competitions.
A Tactical Battle at Kigali Pelé Stadium
From the opening whistle, the match was played at an intense tempo, with both teams demonstrating determination and tactical discipline.
APR FC entered the game as favorites, relying on their experience and depth to control the pace. Gasogi United, however, approached the contest with resilience, focusing on organized defending and quick transitions in attack.
The stadium atmosphere reflected the importance of the match, as fans from both sides filled the stands hoping to see their teams gain an early advantage in the two-legged tie.
Despite several promising attacking movements during the first half, neither team managed to break the deadlock.
APR FC appeared to have taken the lead when Yunussu Nshimiyimana headed the ball into the net during the first half. However, celebrations were short-lived after the assistant referee raised the flag, signaling an offside infringement.
The decision frustrated some APR supporters but left the scoreline unchanged heading into halftime.
The Substitution That Changed the Game
Gasogi United coach made a decisive tactical move at the start of the second half, introducing Ebenezer Niyigena to replace Kokoete Udo Ibioko.
The substitution would prove to be a turning point in the match.
As the second half progressed, both teams continued searching for opportunities, but defensive discipline and strong goalkeeping kept the score at 0–0.
Then came the moment that defined the evening.
In the 75th minute, Gasogi United launched a quick attacking move after winning possession while several APR players were positioned forward.
Danny Ndikumana delivered a precise pass that split the defense, leaving only one defender between Niyigena and the goal.
The substitute kept his composure and finished calmly, sending the ball past goalkeeper Adolphe Hakizimana and igniting celebrations among Gasogi United players and supporters.
The goal immediately shifted the momentum of the match.
APR FC Pushes for an Equalizer
Following the goal, APR FC intensified their attacks in search of an equalizer.
The final minutes of the match were marked by sustained pressure from the military side, with Gasogi United forced to defend deep inside their half.
One of the most dramatic moments came during stoppage time.
In the second minute of added time, Gilbert Byiringiro combined skillfully with Denis Omedi before unleashing a powerful shot toward the goal.
For a brief moment, many spectators thought the ball would find the net.
Instead, the strike hit the goalpost and bounced back into play, narrowly denying APR FC the equalizer.
Gasogi United goalkeeper Leandre Ndagijimana, who had already dived in anticipation, watched as the ball rebounded away from danger.
The missed opportunity effectively sealed the victory for Gasogi United.
Goalkeepers Under the Spotlight
While the match will be remembered for Niyigena’s winning goal, both goalkeepers played important roles throughout the game.
APR FC goalkeeper Adolphe Hakizimana produced several impressive saves to keep his team within reach.
One notable moment came in the 64th minute when he tipped a powerful shot over the bar and into a corner kick after a threatening attack led by Danny Ndikumana and Hakim Hamiss.
On the other side of the pitch, Leandre Ndagijimana maintained focus during APR’s late surge, organizing his defense and helping Gasogi United protect their lead during the closing stages.
A Growing Rivalry in the Peace Cup
The encounter also continued an emerging rivalry between Gasogi United and APR FC in the Peace Cup quarterfinal stage.
This is the third consecutive year that the two teams have met at this phase of the competition.
In 2024, Gasogi United progressed to the semifinals after defeating APR FC in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The following year, APR FC responded by eliminating Gasogi United, advancing with a narrow 1–0 aggregate victory.
This year’s quarterfinal therefore carried added significance for both clubs, as each side sought to assert dominance in the rivalry.
Gasogi United’s first-leg victory now puts them in a favorable position heading into the second leg.
However, with only a single goal separating the teams, the contest remains far from decided.
Other Quarterfinal Matches
Elsewhere in the Peace Cup quarterfinal first-leg fixtures played earlier in the day, Bugesera FC secured a 1–0 victory over Etincelles FC, thanks to a goal from Umar Abba.
Meanwhile, AS Kigali and Gorilla FC played out a goalless draw, leaving their tie completely open ahead of the second leg.
The quarterfinal round continues with another highly anticipated clash as Police FC prepares to host Rayon Sports later this week.
Fans Reflect on the Match
For many supporters who attended the game at Kigali Pelé Stadium, the match offered an exciting display of competitive football.
A Gasogi United fan who celebrated the goal from the stands described the moment as unforgettable.
“When Niyigena scored, the entire section of Gasogi supporters erupted,” he said. “Beating a team like APR FC is always special.”
APR FC fans, while disappointed with the result, remain optimistic about their team’s chances in the return leg.
“We had many chances and even hit the post,” one supporter noted. “In football, sometimes luck is not on your side, but the next match can change everything.”
The Road to the Semifinals
The Peace Cup remains one of Rwanda’s most prestigious domestic football competitions, offering clubs an opportunity to secure silverware and qualify for regional tournaments.
With the second leg approaching, both Gasogi United and APR FC are expected to prepare carefully for what could become one of the most intense matches of the season.
Gasogi United will aim to protect their slender advantage, while APR FC will be determined to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of lifting the trophy alive.
For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Ebenezer Niyigena, whose single goal has given Gasogi United a valuable edge and set the stage for an electrifying second leg in the coming days.
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