Eric Nshimiyimana hailed his APR young team as they roared to victory against sister side Marines FC 2-1 in the opening game of the new season on Saturday at Stade de Kigali.
Thanks to Bernabe Mubumbyi’s 34th minute equaliser that cancelled out Said Kuradusenge’s 14th minute opener for Marines and the winner from Jean Claude Iranzi, the defending champions opened their pursuit for a record-extending 14th league title with all three points.
Nshimiyimana said, “It is a great performance today but we still have a lot of work to do. Nonetheless, I am proud of the boys and how they played the first match, which is always difficult.”
“The youngsters were courageous and brave. It was a chance for them to seize the opportunity, and they did that, and I believe we will continue to grow and progress together as a team” the former APR midfielder added.
He noted, “To come from behind and win the match on the opening day with a young side and score great goals is satisfying.”
Albert Ngabo, Hegman Ngomirakiza started on the bench but Nshimiyimana was happy with the younger players, who started the match. Only goalkeeper Jean Claude Ndoli, defender Ismail Nshutinamagara and winger Jean Claude Iranzi were the senior players in starting team.
“We have started well but we still have work to do as we want to play good attacking football and I hope the new players are up for the challenge,” explained the former Amavubi captain.
League results:
Sunday
AS Kigali 2-1 Mukura
Isonga 1-1 Musanze
SC Kiyovu 1-0 Espoir
Sunday
APR 2-1 Marines
Etincelles 0-0 AS Muhanga
Police 0-0 La Jeunesse
Rayon Sport 1-2 Amagaju
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