Rwanda giants APR FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Singida Black Stars FC in their first Group C match of the CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup 2024. The game took place on Tuesday night at the Azam Complex in Chamazi.
Nigerian import Victor Chukwuemeka Mbaoma scored the decisive goal 22 minutes into the match. The former Enyimba FC striker expertly finished off a well-coordinated move, slotting the ball past Singida Black Stars goalkeeper Metacha Mnata.
Despite a tactical switch by new coach Patrick Aussems during the second half, which saw Singida Black Stars improve their play, they were unable to convert opportunities into goals. Edmund John and Najim Musa both missed chances to level the score.
Darko Novic, the new head coach of APR FC, expressed satisfaction with the win in his post-match interview with cecafaonline. “It was a very tough match, and we created several chances, but we also played against an equally strong team,” Novic said.
Earlier in the day, Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa and El Merriekh Bentiu FC played to a goalless draw in another Group C encounter.
With this victory, APR FC now tops Group C with three points. El Merriekh FC and SC Villa are tied for second place, each with one point.
The tournament action continues on Wednesday with two Group B matches. Sudan’s Al Hilal will face ASAS Djibouti Telecom, while Kenya’s Gor Mahia FC will battle Zambian Premier League champions Red Arrows FC.
The top team from each of the three groups, along with the best runner-up from any group, will advance to the semi-final stage.
