APR FC crowned Rwanda’s 2026 Peace Cup Champions

APR FC defeated rivals Rayon Sports on 4-2 penalties to secure the 2026 Peace Cup title.

The highly anticipated final ended 1-1 after 90 minutes before APR FC held their nerve in the decisive shootout to successfully defend the trophy they also won in 2025.

The final lived up to expectations as Rwanda’s biggest football rivalry delivered a dramatic moments in front of thousands of supporters. 

Rayon Sports struck first in the 43rd minute when Ndikumana Asman confidently converted a penalty after APR goalkeeper Hakizimana Adolphe fouled him inside the penalty area.

APR FC returned from halftime with renewed determination and quickly restored parity.

In the 49th minute, striker William Mel Togui powered home a header from a well-delivered cross by Djibril Ouattara to make it 1-1 and shift momentum back toward the defending champions.

Both sides continued to push for a winner in an entertaining second half.

APR FC created several dangerous attacks through Ouattara, Kiwanuka, and Togui, while Rayon Sports threatened on the counterattack through Mugisha Didier and Asman.

Goalkeepers on both sides made crucial saves to keep the match level, with Hakizimana Adolphe producing a key late stop that denied Rayon Sports a dramatic winner.

With Peace Cup rules sending the match directly to penalties after 90 minutes, the tension inside Stade Amahoro reached its peak.

APR FC displayed remarkable composure during the shootout as Hakim Kiwanuka, Byiringiro Jean Gilbert, Niyomugabo Claude, and Denis Omedi all converted successfully.

Rayon Sports, however, missed two penalties, including one brilliantly saved by Hakizimana Adolphe, handing APR FC another famous victory.

The triumph marks APR FC’s 15th Peace Cup title, further cementing the military side’s status as the most successful club in the history of the competition and Rwandan football overall.

The club’s Peace Cup victories now include titles won in 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2025, and 2026.

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