APR FC secures their fifth consecutive championship by clinching the title for the 2023-2024 season
APR FC clinched the Rwandan Premier League Championship for the 2023-2024 season with a 1-0 victory over Kiyovu Sports on Saturday. This triumph marks their fifth consecutive title.
The match, held at Kigali Pelé Stadium on the 27th matchday of the season, saw APR FC, the football team of the Rwandan Army, facing off against Kiyovu Sports. Requiring only a draw to secure the championship, APR FC showcased their determination against their fierce rivals.
Despite Kiyovu Sports’ efforts to thwart APR FC’s bid for the title, with players like Mosengo Tansele, Richard Kilongozi, and Nizeyimana Djuma making notable attempts, APR FC’s goalkeeper, Pavelh Ndzila, stood firm.
APR FC remained proactive throughout the game. In the 26th minute, Ruboneka Jean Bosco’s powerful strike hit the crossbar after a deflection by Kiyovu’s goalkeeper, Nzeyirwanda Djihad. Despite the competitive efforts from both sides, the first half concluded with a 0-0 tie.
In the second half, neither team appeared to gain a significant advantage. However, in the 51st minute, APR FC seized an opportunity when Mugisha Gilbert, positioned outside the penalty area, capitalized on Nzeyirwanda Djihad’s poor positioning and scored with a powerful shot.
APR FC persisted in their offensive efforts. Although Victor Mbaoma succeeded in putting the ball into the net, the referee, Karangwa Justin, ruled it offside. Despite Kiyovu Sports’ attempts to level the score, they were unable to find success. The match concluded with APR FC securing a 1-0 victory.
Meanwhile, Rayon Sports emerged victorious in their match against Bugesera FC. However, this outcome was inconsequential as APR FC had already clinched the championship for the 2023-2024 season with three games remaining. Accumulating 63 points, APR FC maintained a substantial lead over Rayon Sports, who had 51 points, rendering the remaining matches incapable of narrowing the gap.
Since its establishment in 1995, APR FC has amassed 22 championships, marking their fifth consecutive title since the 2019-2020 season.
Looking ahead, APR FC is set to represent Rwanda in the upcoming CAF Champions League for the 2024-2025 season.
APR FC Chairman Col Richard Karasira has indicated that the fate of head coach Thierry Froger will be determined at the conclusion of the season.
Despite guiding the army side to their fifth consecutive league title with three games remaining, Froger’s rapport with the fans has been strained, leading to instances where he was subjected to boos and calls for his dismissal.
Criticism of Froger’s team selection arose, but the management ensured that the French coach retained control over his lineup choices, free from external influence.
The situation further deteriorated as fan attendance, initially strong at the beginning of the season, waned notably during the latter stages of the league, exacerbating tensions between Froger and the supporters.
In response to inquiries about Froger’s future, Karasira informed the press that the management will evaluate his performance and make a decision regarding his tenure with the team at the season’s conclusion.
“We have an agreement with Coach Thierry Froger. Following the conclusion of the league, we will convene to determine whether his performance warrants continuation with the team,” Karasira stated in a post-match interview.
“He has achieved significant milestones, with many weeks spent at the top of the table. When assessing him, it’s important to consider whether we provided him with the players he desired,” he further elaborated.