APR FC successfully defended the Rwanda Peace Cup title after defeating arch-rivals Rayon Sports 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final played at Amahoro Stadium on Saturday.
The victory completed a domestic double for APR FC, who had already clinched the Rwanda Premier League title with two matches remaining in the season. It also secured the army side a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Both teams approached the final with intensity, as Rayon Sports sought to deny APR a second trophy of the campaign. However, after a tightly contested 90 minutes ended level at 1-1, APR held their nerve in the penalty shootout to retain the trophy for a second consecutive year.
Rayon Sports took the lead just before halftime when Asman Ndikumana converted from the penalty spot in the 44th minute after APR goalkeeper Adolphe Hakizimana committed a foul inside the area.
APR FC responded strongly after the break and equalized in the 52nd minute through William Togui Mel, who capitalized on a defensive mistake to score from close range.
The second half saw APR FC dominate possession and press aggressively in search of a winner, while Rayon Sports relied on counterattacks and the experience of goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera to stay in the game.
Despite the growing intensity and physical midfield battles, neither side managed to find a decisive goal, forcing the final into penalties.
For Rayon Sports, Emery Bayisenge and Didier Mugisha converted their spot-kicks, but Asman Ndikumana and goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera both missed.
APR FC converted all four of their penalties through Hakim Kiwanuka, Gilbert Byiringiro, Claude Niyomugabo, and Denis Omedi to seal the victory.
The title marked another milestone for head coach Adel Abdelrahim and his squad, who capped off an impressive domestic season with two major trophies.
Rayon Sports WFC Win Women’s PeaceCup
Earlier in the day, Rayon Sports WFC defeated Police WFC 2-0 to win the 2026 FERWAFA Women’s Peace Cup final at Amahoro Stadium.
Gabonese striker Odette Elsie Eyeang Nguema and Umwari Uwase, popularly known as Dudja, scored in either half as the Blue Ladies completed an impressive tournament campaign.
APR FC are the most successful club in the history of the Rwanda Peace Cup, with 14 titles after their 2026 triumph.
