Former APR FC gamers Michel Rusheshangoga, Yves Kimenyi and Imran Nshimiyimana have strongly criticised the membership following Friday’s 5-0 thrashing by Kenya’s Gor Mahia within the opening match of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup at Amahoro Stadium.
Objectives from captain Michael Kibwage, Patrick Esombe, Paul Okoth, Lesley Otieno and Ebenezer Assifuah secured a commanding victory for Charles Akonnor’s aspect, sending the Kenyan champions to the highest of Group A.
The heavy defeat, suffered in entrance of President Paul Kagame and 1000’s of residence supporters, has raised critical questions on APR’s preparedness and competitiveness at regional stage.
The outcome got here as a significant shock to APR’s management, followers and former gamers who as soon as proudly represented the navy aspect.
Former APR defender Michel Rusheshangoga expressed his disappointment with the staff’s efficiency and urged the membership’s management to behave swiftly earlier than the state of affairs will get worse.
“If there’s something to be mounted, let or not it’s mounted instantly. That is shameful. That isn’t the picture or commonplace the membership must be displaying,” Rusheshangoga mentioned.
Imran Nshimiyimana echoed related sentiments, accusing the gamers of missing dedication, willpower and combating spirit through the match.
“Deal with this urgently. It’s an enormous disgrace—no ardour, no combating spirit, no coronary heart. Gamers are merely coasting in that jersey. It’s horrible, merely horrible,” he mentioned.
APR had been outclassed from begin to end as Gor Mahia produced one in all their most dominant performances in recent times.
Former APR goalkeeper Yves Kimenyi additionally questioned the membership’s latest recruitment technique and warned that supporters may face additional disappointment if modifications usually are not made.
“I’ve spoken about this earlier than. Some folks search for excuses the place none exist. Whenever you have a look at a number of the gamers who had been introduced in, are you able to truthfully say that even 10 p.c of them are as much as the required commonplace?”
“It’s essential perceive the truth of recent soccer. Should you don’t perceive it, search assist from individuals who do. In any other case, supporters will proceed to be dissatisfied. Soccer has developed, and the membership should adapt,” Kimenyi mentioned.
Robust evening for Taleb
Occasions Sport understands that following the defeat, APR’s management held a gathering with the gamers and head coach Taleb Abderrahim at earlier than leaving the stadium at round 11pm.
Taleb admitted that his aspect had carried out poorly however insisted that quick corrections can be made forward of their subsequent match.
“It’s a dangerous outcome, and we’ve to right our errors and ensure we come again stronger within the subsequent match,” he mentioned.
Friday’s outcome additionally carried historic significance. Gor Mahia lastly avenged the 5-0 defeat they suffered in opposition to APR in Nairobi in 2009, emphatically reversing the scoreline 17 years later.
APR will return to motion on Monday, July 27, after they face Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine FC at Kigali Pele Stadium.
