El-Merreikh down APR to claim Kagame Cup

What you need to know:

  • President Kagame entered the stadium just before second half when the home side were already trailing courtesy of Wanga’s 25th-minute strike.
  • This was Wanga’s biggest game in the Red Devils shirt since joining them from AFC Leopards two months ago.

KIGALI

Kenyan international Allan Wanga inspired El-Merreikh to their third Cecafa Kagame Cup title as his side defied the boos from the home fans to beat Armee Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) 1-0 to lift the trophy at the 30,000-seater Amaharo Stadium in Kigali on Sunday.

In a packed stadium that also had Rwandan President Paul Kagame in attendance, the Sudanese club held on to the end after Wanga’s early strike to claim glory.

President Kagame entered the stadium just before second half when the home side were already trailing courtesy of Wanga’s 25th-minute strike.

El-Merreikh goalkeeper Salim Omar remained firm between the posts to deny the hosts.

This was Wanga’s biggest game in the Red Devils shirt since joining them from AFC Leopards two months ago in a Sh4.5 million move.

20 YEAR WAIT

By winning the trophy, the Red Devils not only broke their nearly 20 year wait for the title but also won the regional championship for a third time after 1986 and 1994 conquests.

El-Merreikh also pocketed US$ 30,000 (about Sh.2.7 million).

Though largely quiet until the 25th minute, when he shook the net, Wanga will thank playmaker Mohamed Traore for the goal.

The gifted midfielder charged down the left wing to pick out Abdalate Abdalla, who then fed Wanga for an easy tap past Olivier Kwizera in goal.

After the breather a charging APR stretched El-Merreikh in the first 10 minutes with Djamal Mwiseneza coming agonizingly close but he was denied by the impressive Omar, who did well to leave his line and thwart him.