Pictures: APR claim Heroes Cup after penalty shootout win over Police

APR have been crowned the 2025 Heroes Cup champions after beating Police 4-2 on penalties, following a scoreless draw in the 120 minutes on Saturday evening at Kigali Pele Stadium.

Elijah Ani and Christian Ishimwe of Police failed from the spot during the shootout, whilst all four APR players converted their penalties as the Rwanda military-owned side launched revenge on Police, who defeated them in the 2024 final.

Pavelh Ndzila made two penalty saves during the shootout to help APR win the Heroes Cup trophy in a dramatic fashion.

The two sides played out a tense 0-0 stalemate within 120 minutes, with goalkeepers from both sides being forced to make superb saves to keep the contest tied.

APR got off to an impressive start, creating clear-cut scoring chances, but the Police's backline kept them at bay.

Hakim Kiwanuka threatened to score in the fifth minute, though Police goalkeeper Patience Niyongira denied his effort.

Police had a big chance missed by Ani Elijah in the 24th minute when the Nigerian striker handled APR defenders neatly, but his shot slightly went off the target.

Vincent Mashami's team seized an early dominance in the second half, having plenty of possession though they were unable to capitalise on that APR's sluggish start to the second half.

However, APR rallied and had a couple of scoring opportunities, including Clement Niyigena's long-range strike in the 76th minute that was halted by Niyongira and Gilbert Mugisha's header that flew over the bar four minutes later after Djibril Ouattara's excellent cross.

Pavelh Ndzila put forth a brilliant save at the death, following Allan Katerega's effort deflected off Aliou Souane.

APR centre-back Niyigena was sent off in the 107 minute, following his career-ending tackle on Elijah Ani near the box.

However, the Rwanda National Police-owned side failed to get the job done against APR's 10 men as the game ended in a 0-0 tie, forcing the shootout, which APR won 4-2.

On the other hand, Rayon Sports won the Heroes Cup trophy in the women's category after defeating Indahangarwa 5-3 on penalties, following a goalless draw in regular time.

Photo: Police's Elijah Ani in action against APR defender Aliou Souane.

Photo: Police's Allan Katerega in action against APR at the packed Kigali Pele Stadium.

Photo: The Clement Niyigena v Elijah Ani battle was one to keep an eye on at the packed Kigali Pele Stadium.

Photo: Police head coach Vincent Mashami greets his APR counterpart Darko Novic before the game.

Photo: Lague Byiringiro attempts to dribble past Lamine Bah of APR.

Photo: Pavelh Ndzila made two penalty saves during the shootout to help APR win the Heroes Cup trophy.

Photo: Elijah Ani was in bits after failing from the spot during the penalty shootout.

Photo: Lague Byiringiro quickly consoles Christian Ishimwe, who missed his penalty during the shootout.

Photo: APR players celebrate their first title in the 2024-25 campaign.

Photo: APR's Ismail Nshimirimana poses with the Heroes Cup title.

Photo: Rayon Sports Women FC win the 2025 Heroes Cup title after defeating Indahangarwa 5-3 on penalties in the final.