APR FC knock out Etincelles to reach back-to-back Peace Cup final

APR FC sealed a back-to-back Peace Cup final place with a 3-1 win over Etincelles FC, advancing 6-2 on aggregate.

The Army side came into the second leg already holding a 3-1 advantage from the first meeting in Rubavu, but they showed no signs of complacency in front of their home supporters.

From the opening whistle, APR FC controlled possession, dictated tempo, and pressed Etincelles FC deep into their own half.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Mugisha Gilbert calmly finished off a well-worked move initiated by Byiringiro Jean Gilbert and Djibril Ouattara.

The goal gave APR FC early control of the tie and further extended their aggregate advantage.

Etincelles FC attempted to respond through Niyonkuru Sadjati and Robert Mukoghotya, but they struggled to break through a solid APR defensive line led by Niyigena Clément and Nshimiyimana Yunus.

Goalkeeper Hakizimana Adolphe was also in fine form, making key saves to deny any hope of a comeback.

APR FC doubled their lead in the 37th minute after Memel Raouf Dao capitalised on a defensive mistake inside the box, calmly finishing to make it 2-0 on the night.

By half-time, Etincelles FC were already facing an uphill battle with the tie effectively out of reach.

The second half saw APR FC continue their dominance, and just two minutes after the restart, Cheikh Djibril Ouattara added a third goal with a brilliant individual effort, dribbling past his marker before finishing clinically.

The goal further highlighted APR FC’s attacking strength and depth.

Etincelles FC managed to pull one goal back in the 79th minute through Ciza Hussein, who finished from close range to restore some pride.

However, the consolation did little to change the outcome as APR FC comfortably managed the remainder of the match.

The final whistle sending APR FC into yet another Peace Cup final, where they will face arch-rivals Rayon Sports on 23 May 2026.

APR FC’s history in the Peace Cup is remarkable.

They have lifted the trophy multiple times, including in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023 and 2025 making them one of the most successful clubs in the competition’s history. 

The other semi-final saw Gorilla FC eliminated, and they will now face Etincelles FC in the third-place playoff on 22 May 2026.