Ouattara’s brace seals APR FC victory over Garde Républicaine (Photos)

APR FC revived their CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine at Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the semi-finals despite facing an uphill battle in Group A.

Coming into the match on the back of a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Kenya’s Gor Mahia, the Rwandan champions knew only victory would keep their qualification ambitions alive.

Head coach Taleb Abderrahim responded by making two changes to his starting lineup, while goalkeeper Ernan Siluane and midfielder Dauda Yussif, who both featured against Gor Mahia, were left out of the matchday squad.

APR FC made an aggressive start, creating several early chances as they searched for an early breakthrough.

Mamadou Traore forced goalkeeper Kofi Mensah into action inside the opening three minutes before captain Djibril Ouattara twice threatened from set pieces and long-range efforts.

Despite dominating possession, the Rwandan side had to wait until the 33rd minute to finally break the deadlock.

The breakthrough came through Ouattara, who finished confidently after sustained pressure to hand APR FC a deserved lead.

Just seven minutes later, the Ivorian striker doubled the advantage, once again converting from an excellent delivery by William Mel Togui, whose creativity on the right wing caused constant problems for the Djiboutian defence.

APR FC were not finished before the interval.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Mamadou Traore capped a swift attacking move by calmly finishing after finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, giving the hosts a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.

Although APR FC controlled much of the second half, they were unable to add to their tally despite creating several promising opportunities.

Djibril Ouattara came close to completing his hat-trick, while substitutes Hakim Kiwanuka and Jean Pierre Rubuguza also threatened as the military side searched for more goals that could improve their goal difference after the heavy opening-day defeat.

Garde Républicaine pulled one back in the 86th minute when Maarouf Abass Abaneh beat goalkeeper Hakizimana Adolphe with a well-taken finish, denying APR FC a clean sheet but doing little to alter the outcome of the contest.

The result earned APR FC their first three points of the tournament but left qualification out of their own hands.

The Rwandan champions remain behind leaders Vipers SC, who have six points, while Gor Mahia occupy second place with three points and a superior goal difference ahead of their final group match against Garde Républicaine.

APR FC also have three points but carry a goal difference of minus three following their heavy defeat to Gor Mahia.

Attention now turns to Thursday’s decisive clash against Uganda’s Vipers SC.

APR FC will not only need victory against the Group A leaders but will also require a favourable result elsewhere if they are to book a place in the last four and continue their pursuit of a fourth CECAFA Kagame Cup title.

Garde Republicaine XI: Kofi Mensah, Ismael Nahimana (C), Ramadan Abdi, Tamou Nanti, Mensah Richard, Essomba Menuel Danniel, Souley Badamassi, Abdul Basit, Agyenim Boeting Mensah, Landry Kamwa Fofou and Sibomana Patrick.

APR FC XI: Hakizimana Adolphe, Madou Zon, Ishimwe Christian, Memel Raouf Dao, Djibril Ouattara (C), Amani Michel, Byiringiro Jean Gilbert, Ssekiganda Ronald, Mamadou Traore, Nshimiyimana Yunussu and William Mel Togui.

Photos