APR sink Singida Black Stars to go top of Group C

Rwanda giants APR FC have gone top of Group C of the CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup 2024 after picking a hard earned 1-0 win against Singida Black Stars FC in their first match played at the Azam Complex, Chamazi on Tuesday night.

Nigerian import Victor Chukwuemeka Mbaoma netted the only goal after 22 minutes. The former Enyimba FC striker made no mistake finishing off a good move past Singida Black Stars goalkeeper Metacha Mnata.

After recess the Singida Black Stars team looked a better side after a tactical switch by new coach Patrick Aussems. Edmund John and Najim Musa had some opportunities to score, but missed the targets.

Darko Novic, the new APR FC coach told cecafaonline after the match that it is good to pick a win in the opening match. “It was a very tough match and we created several chances, but we also played against an equally strong team,” added Novic.

In an earlier Group C match Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa settled for a goalless draw against El Merriekh Bentiu FC.

APR FC now top Group C with three points, while El Merriekh FC and SC Villa are second with a point each.

 Action continues on Wednesday with two Group B matches on card. Sudan’s Al Hilal will take on ASAS Djibouti Telecom, while Gor Mahia FC (Kenya) battle Zambian Premier League champions Red Arrows FC.

The top team in each of the three groups and the best runners up from any of the groups will automatically qualify for the semi-final stage.

Group c standing

                           P      W    D     L     GF   GA    A    Pts

APR FC              1       1     0     0      1      0      1     3

El Merriekh B.  1      0      1     0      0     0      0      1

SC Villa              1       0     1     0      0      0      0     1

Singida BS         1      0      0     1      0      1     -1     0