APR FC’s newly acquired Burkinabè striker, Djibril Ouattara, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the club’s fans following his challenging debut in the Intwari Cup final against Police FC on Saturday. The match, which ended in a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory for APR after a grueling 120 minutes of goalless play, marked Ouattara’s first appearance since joining the Rwandan Premier League giants.
Speaking exclusively after the match, the 24-year-old forward acknowledged the pressure of making his debut in a high-stakes final but emphasized the team’s collective effort. “It was not easy because my first game was a final, meaning we had to win. However, APR FC’s teamwork brought us success,” Ouattara said. “We will continue working hard, and with God’s help, we will be in good shape for the second leg of the league.”
Ouattara, who replaced Ugandan midfielder Hakim Kiwanuka in the 63rd minute, quickly endeared himself to fans with his energetic performance. Despite limited time on the pitch, his composure and tactical awareness offered glimpses of the attacking reinforcement APR hopes he will bring to a squad grappling with goal-scoring inconsistencies this season.
The striker reserved special praise for the club’s supporters, who packed the stadium to rally behind their team. “Today, I saw many fans supporting their team, and honestly, I am very happy. This victory is a small gift for them,” he said. Urging continued loyalty, he added, “My message to them is to keep supporting the team because it needs them. We, on our part, will continue working hard to give the best for the club.”
Ouattara’s arrival comes at a critical juncture for APR FC, which has struggled to convert chances into goals in recent matches. Club officials and fans alike are optimistic that the Burkinabè international’s physicality and technical skill will revitalize their frontline as they push for domestic and continental success.
With the Rwandan Premier League resuming soon, all eyes will be on Ouattara to spearhead APR’s quest for silverware. His debut, though brief, has already set a positive tone, blending resilience with gratitude—a combination that could prove pivotal in the battles ahead.
