Handball: APR HC crowned league champions after stunning comeback against Police HC (Photos)

APR Handball Club completed a remarkable comeback from two games down to defeat long-time rivals Police HC and lift the 2025/26 Rwanda Men’s Handball League title after a thrilling 31-29 victory in the decisive fifth game of the championship play-off series on Tuesday evening.

The triumph at Petit Stade Amahoro in Kigali saw the Rwanda Defence Force-backed club overturn an early 2-0 deficit in the best-of-five finals, winning the last three matches consecutively to claim the series 3-2 and secure the national championship for the fourth time in the club’s history.

Police HC had entered the decisive contest hoping to capture a record-extending 11th league title after winning the opening two games of the finals.

However, APR HC responded in impressive fashion by claiming Games Three and Four over the weekend to force a winner-takes-all showdown before a passionate crowd of supporters.

The deciding match lived up to expectations as both teams traded goals throughout a fast-paced opening period.

Neither side managed to establish control during the opening 22 minutes, with the score locked at 11-11 in a contest marked by intensity, physical battles and high-quality attacking play.

APR goalie Uwimana Jackson then produced two crucial saves that shifted momentum in his team’s favour.

The defensive stops allowed the army side to launch quick counter-attacks and open a three-goal advantage at 14-11 before taking a narrow 16-14 lead into the halftime break.

Police HC emerged from the interval determined to fight back and quickly restored parity at 19-19 through an improved defensive display and greater attacking efficiency.

But APR HC demonstrated their composure in the decisive moments.

Bryan Wakhuka and Rwamanywa Viateur inspired the defending champions with a decisive scoring run, stretching APR’s advantage to 28-24 with just 13 minutes remaining.

Although Police HC reduced the deficit late in the contest, APR maintained their discipline at both ends of the court to close out a deserved 31-29 victory.

Coached by Bagirishya Anaclet, APR HC celebrated a historic fourth Rwanda Men’s Handball League championship, adding the 2025/26 title to those previously won in 2019, 2022 and 2024.

The latest success further strengthens the club’s growing reputation as one of Rwanda’s dominant forces in men’s handball.

For Police HC, the defeat was a painful end to an impressive campaign.

The club, one of the country’s most successful handball institutions, remains the record league champion with 10 national titles, but missed the opportunity to extend that tally to 11 after allowing a two-game series lead to slip away.

By winning the national championship, APR HC also secured the right to represent Rwanda at the 2026 African Handball Champions Club Championship, scheduled to be held in Angola later this year, where the club will test itself against the continent’s elite teams.

Elsewhere, E.SC. Nyamagabe were crowned champions of the Women’s First Division after defeating UR Rukara 40-23, while Mutenderi TSS claimed the Men’s Second Division title with a 31-24 victory over TTC de la Salle, completing another memorable season for Rwandan handball.

Photos

APR HC crowned league champions after stunning comeback against Police HC

APR Head Coach, Bagirishya Anaclet

E.SC. Nyamagabe crowned champions of the Women’s First Division.