APR FC Clinch Third Place in CECAFA Kagame Cup 2025 After Narrow Win Over KMC
Rwanda’s APR FC secured third place in the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2025 after defeating Tanzania’s Kinondoni Municipal Council FC (KMC) 1-0 in a playoff match played on Monday. The victory earned the Rwandan champions a prize of $10,000 (approx. 14 million Rwandan francs).
The match began cautiously, with both sides sizing each other up. APR FC created the better chances in the opening stages, with Mugisha Gilbert and William Togui both coming close to finding the net but failing to convert.
By the half-hour mark, APR intensified their pressure, forcing KMC’s backline into several defensive interventions. Just before halftime, the breakthrough came: Dauda Yussif delivered a precise pass to Memel Dao, who sprinted down the right flank before unleashing a powerful shot to beat the goalkeeper in the 45th minute.
APR FC went into the break leading 1-0.
In the second half, KMC came out more aggressive, piling pressure on APR’s defense. However, goalkeeper Ishimwe Pierre proved decisive, pulling off several crucial saves to keep his side ahead.
The Rwandan side nearly doubled their lead in the 77th minute when Togui squandered a golden opportunity, misfiring badly after being set up by KMC’s goalkeeper under pressure.
Despite KMC’s late push, APR FC held on to their narrow lead until the final whistle, sealing a bronze finish in the regional tournament.
The Kagame Cup will conclude with the final showdown between Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars and Sudan’s Al Hilal, a highly anticipated clash to determine the 2025 champions.
