Ugandan forward Denis Omedi made an immediate impact for APR FC, scoring from the penalty spot on his debut to help the Rwandan champions secure a 2-0 victory over AS Kigali in the semi-finals of the 2025 Heroes Cup at Kigali Pele Stadium on Tuesday.
The striker, who joined APR in this month’s transfer window, converted a 58th-minute penalty with confidence, sending AS Kigali goalkeeper Adolphe Cyuzuzo the wrong way to give his new club the lead.
Substitute Ramadan Niyibizi then sealed the win with a stunning free-kick in the 79th minute, ensuring APR’s place in the final.
The match began with AS Kigali showing early intent, but APR responded with several chances of their own, including an opportunity for Omedi in the 40th minute when he attempted a scissor kick following a rebound, but his effort flew wide.
APR ramped up the pressure in the second half, and when Uganda’s Hakim Kiwanuka, who joined the club with Omedi, fired a shot that struck Jean Bosco Akayezu’s hand in the box, the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty.
Omedi stepped up and calmly buried the spot-kick, marking a dream start to his APR career.
In the other semifinal, Police FC defeated Rayon Sports 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time, setting up a final clash against APR on February 1 at Amahoro National Stadium.
