Defending champions APR FC moved closer of their title defence after a 3–1 victory over Etincelles FC in the semi-final first leg encounter at Umuganda Stadium on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026.
APR’s Burkinabe import Djibril Ouattara struck twice in the second half, finding the net in the 62nd and 70th minutes to put the visitors firmly in command after Gilbert Mugisha opened the scoring for the military men in the 14th minute.
Etincelles pulled one back through Djabilu Ishimwe for the Rubavu-based side that now faces an uphill task in the return leg, where they will need to score at least three goals to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.
The result gives APR a strong advantage heading into the second leg and also serves as a response to their shock 2–1 league defeat to Etincelles last weekend.
The two sides will meet again in the return on April 29, 2026 in the return leg.
The winner of the tie will face either ten time Rwanda Peace Cup champions Rayon Sports or Gorilla FC, who meet in the other semi-final.
The Peace Cup winners will represent Rwanda in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.
