APR HC accomplished the comeback of the Rwanda Males Handball Championship, overturning a 2-0 sequence deficit to defeat Police HC 31-29 in Recreation 5 and declare their fourth nationwide title.
Backed by passionate supporters from either side on the Petit stade on Tuesday, APR HC and Police HC produced the match of the yr in Rwandan handball, dwelling as much as the expectations of a winner takes-all-final showdown.
The decisive encounter lived as much as its billing, delivering depth, bodily battles and drama from the opening whistle to the ultimate buzzer.
ALSO READ: APR HC, Police HC sq. off in title-deciding Recreation 5
After 22 minutes, APR HC and Police HC had been locked at 11-11, with neither facet in a position to set up management. Each possession was fiercely contested as disciplined defending and aggressive play highlighted the significance of the championship conflict.
A pair of essential saves from APR goalkeeper Arsene Uwayezu, coupled with missed scoring alternatives by Police, allowed APR to grab their possibilities. The navy facet responded with three unanswered objectives to open a 14-11 benefit earlier than taking a 16-14 lead into halftime.
Goalkeeper Uwayezu made 5 first half saves, whereas Police goalkeeper Timothy Nshimiyimana recorded three. On the break, the result remained unimaginable to foretell.
ALSO READ: APR HC beat Police HC in Recreation 3 to maintain title hopes alive
The second half introduced much more drama.
Police supporters erupted when their crew leveled the rating at 19-19, however APR’s disciplined protection shortly restored management. By the forty seventh minute, APR had opened a 4 purpose cushion at 28-24, impressed by Bryan Wakhuka’s six objectives and Viateur Rwamanywa’s seven-goal efficiency.
Police remained within the contest by the scoring of Yves Kayijamahe and Emmanuel Kubwimana, however APR managed the closing levels with composure. Regardless of a late timeout from the Police bench, Anaclet Bagirishya’s males by no means surrendered their benefit.
The ultimate whistle confirmed a 31-29 victory, finishing a rare comeback from two video games all the way down to carry the championship.
Commenting on the finals comeback, APR coach Bagirishya stated, “It wasn't straightforward. After we went 2-0 down, morale was low, however the membership administration and our officers saved encouraging us. They gave us the assumption to battle again and win the title.”
ALSO READ: Police HC edge nearer to title protection after Recreation 2 win over APR HC
The coach additionally praised his gamers for trusting the method.
“I need to thank my gamers as a result of they understood my message. At the moment we’re champions, and we’re proud to signify Rwanda on the African Membership Championship in Angola this October.”
Wakhuka, one APR’s standout performers,
described the triumph as a particular private purpose.
“We knew from the start of the finals that we had been higher than them. Profitable the title in my first season appears like a birthday present. After dropping the championship final yr, it is a nice achievement for the crew.”
The celebrations prolonged effectively past the court docket.
APR supporter Amurani Niyomufasha stated the followers by no means stopped believing.
“We waited a very long time for this fourth title. Even after dropping the primary two video games, we by no means misplaced religion within the crew. We stood behind them, and now we’re Rwanda handball champions.”
On the opposite facet, disappointment was evident within the Police camp.
Goalkeeper Timothy Nshimiyimana admitted his facet did not capitalize on key moments regardless of taking a commanding lead within the sequence.
“We misplaced as a result of we missed too many scoring possibilities. It hurts as a result of we began the sequence very effectively, however we didn't play our greatest in crucial moments.”
The victory crowns APR HC as 2025/26 Rwanda Males's Handball champions, finishing a outstanding turnaround and denying Police HC what would have been an eleventh league title.
APR will now signify Rwanda on the African Membership Championship in Angola later this yr, carrying renewed confidence after one of the memorable title runs within the competitors.
