By Joseph Mtumishi,
Kigali was at a standstill on Tuesday when bitter arch rivals APR brought down Rayon Sport 4-3 on post match pnalties after a goal avalanche that saw the game end in a 2-2 draw in the quarter finals of the ongoing Cecafa Kagame Cup.
Despite heartbreaking news for Rwanda passionate football fans on the disqualification of Amavubi,the much hyped derby lived up to its billing from the word go as both sides fired from all cylinders in an entertaining game played at the Kigali regional stadium.
Michel Ndahinnduka broke the deadlock in the 11th minute for APR but minutes later Youssa Bertrand leveled with a sublime volley past a hapless Oliver Kwizera who made a wrong decision getting off his line as the scores stoot at 1-1.
Rayon added more impetus to their attack piling pressure that paid off handsomely with a spectacular 30 year Fuadi Ndayisenga goal that left APR keeper Kwizera rattled and routed on the same spot as the screemer hit the net for Rayon’s second of the day in the stroke of half time.
APR came from the break breathing fire as they attacked from the onset with Herve Rubwiro putting matters level at 2-2 to force a penalty shoot out.
Rayon new signing James Tubane and APR captain Ismael Nshutiyamagara missed their side’s first penalties to amount pressure on the upcoming penalty takers.
Salita Gentil Kambale, Abouba Sibomana and Govin Mutombo converted for Rayon Sport in that order while substitutes Yannick Mukunzi, Charles Tibingana and Eric Rutanga netted for APR to level the score at 3-3.
APR will now face Police FC to renew yet another Rwandan rivalry on Friday afternoon.The Rwandan derby lived up to the billing in the second game of the day as Rayon Sport sought revenge over the army side that lifted the league title and Peace Cup last season.