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Kinyarwanda
Rwanda Police Football Club were crowned champions of the 2026 Heroes’ Cup after edging APR FC 7–6 on penalties in a pulsating final at Amahoro National Stadium, on Sunday, February 1.
The tournament featuring four of Rwanda Premier League’s elite teams saw Police FC lift the prestigious trophy through grit, tactical discipline, and composure under pressure as they navigated two demanding matches and a penalty shootout scare.
Police FC booked their place in the final with a narrow 1–0 semifinal victory over Rayon Sports, setting up a high-profile showdown with defending champions APR FC.
The final drew a packed stadium, with fans from both camps creating a charged atmosphere, joined by senior officials including Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Mubarakh Muganga and Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Felix Namuhoranye.
With APR chasing a second consecutive title, pre-match expectations slightly favored the army side. The match began cautiously, both teams prioritizing midfield control and defensive shape.
Police captain Eric Nsabimana drew an early yellow card in the ninth minute after halting Gilbert Byiringiro’s dangerous run, eliciting cheers from APR fans and groans from Police supporters.
Despite neat passing sequences, clear-cut chances were limited in the first half. Police came closest in the 19th minute when Christian Ishimwe’s corner found Eric Nsabimana, whose header narrowly missed.
APR responded through Hakim Kiwanuka and Gilbert Mugisha, but Mugisha’s header failed to test Police goalkeeper Onesime Rukundo, who later made a crucial save. The first half ended goalless.
APR came stronger after the break, and their dominance was rewarded in the 52nd minute when William Togui produced a stunning bicycle kick from Kiwanuka’s cross to give APR the lead. Police FC, however, gradually grew into the game, increasing tempo and applying sustained pressure.
Their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Leonard Gakwaya capitalized on a defensive error by APR, calmly slotting home the equalizer to make it 1–1 and swing momentum in Police FC’s favor.
The final became a tense, end-to-end battle. Police survived a dramatic goal-line clearance from Dieudonné Ndayishimiye, while APR threatened through Mamadou Sy and Togui, only to be denied by Rukundo Onesime. With no winner after 90 minutes, the match went strat to penalties, where nerves ruled the stands.
The police’s late substitution, goalkeeper Patience Niyongira, proved decisive, saving penalties from Dauda Yussif, William Togui, and Ronald Ssekiganda. The final kick from Nigerian defender David Chimezie sealed a 7–6 victory, sending Police FC supporters into euphoric celebration.
The celebrations reached their peak when Police Captain Eric Nsabimana Zidane handed the trophy to IGP Felix Namuhoranye, who raised it triumphantly amid cheers from the team and fans.
The triumph gave Rwanda Police FC their second Heroes’ Cup title in three appearances, denying APR back-to-back glory and underscoring Police’s growing dominance in Rwandan football.
