On 01 February 2026, Police FC were crowned 2026 Heroes Cup (Igikombe cy’Intwari) champions after edging fierce rivals APR FC 7–6 on penalties, following a 1–1 draw in regulation time, in a dramatic final played at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. The annual tournament, organised to mark National Heroes’ Day, once again lived up to its reputation by delivering high-quality football, intense rivalry and emotional moments, with Police FC showing remarkable composure under pressure to lift one of Rwanda’s most symbolic trophies. Tactical First Half Ends Goalless Both teams prioritised ball control

On 01 February 2026, Police FC were crowned 2026 Heroes Cup (Igikombe cy’Intwari) champions after edging fierce rivals APR FC 7–6 on penalties, following a 1–1 draw in regulation time, in a dramatic final played at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. The annual tournament, organised to mark National Heroes’ Day, once again lived up to its reputation by delivering high-quality football, intense rivalry and emotional moments, with Police FC showing remarkable composure under pressure to lift one of Rwanda’s most symbolic trophies.

Tactical First Half Ends Goalless

Both teams prioritised ball control and tactical discipline in the opening half, resulting in a tightly contested midfield battle at Amahoro Stadium. APR FC enjoyed slightly more possession, attempting to stretch the game through the wings, while Police FC relied on structured defending and quick transitions. Despite several promising moves from both sides, clear-cut chances were limited, and the first half ended goalless, with goalkeepers Ishimwe Pierre (APR FC) and Rukundo Onesime (Police FC) alert when called upon.

Second-Half Goals Ignite the Final

APR FC broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute through William Togui, who finished clinically after a well-orchestrated move down the flank, placing Police FC under immediate pressure.

Both teams focused on the ball in the first half at amahoro stadium

However, Police FC responded with resilience and determination. Their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Leonard Gakwaya scored the equaliser, capitalising on a defensive lapse to restore parity and reignite the contest. The remainder of the match saw end-to-end action, with both sides pushing for a decisive goal. APR FC came close late on through Mamadou Sy, while Police FC threatened on the counter, but neither team managed to break the deadlock before the final whistle.

Penalty Shootout Seals the Title

With the score level at full time, the final went straight to penalties. The shootout proved gripping and nerve-racking, stretching into sudden death after both sides matched each other kick for kick. The turning point came when Ronald Ssekiganda’s ninth penalty for APR FC was saved by Patience Niyongira, who had been introduced late specifically for the shootout. Moments later, David Chimezie calmly converted Police FC’s decisive kick, sealing a 7–6 victory and sparking jubilant celebrations.

Road to the Final

Police FC booked their place in the final after a hard-fought 1–0 semifinal victory over Rayon Sports FC, with the decisive goal coming from the penalty spot. APR FC, meanwhile, reached the final in emphatic fashion, dispatching AS Kigali FC 3–0 in the other semifinal, underlining their attacking strength and experience in knockout competitions.

Prize Money and Women’s Final

As champions, Police FC received a cheque of 6 million Rwandan Francs, while runners-up APR FC were awarded 3 million Frw. Earlier on 01 February 2026, Rayon Sports WFC lifted the Women’s Heroes Cup after defeating Indahangarwa WFC 2–0. Rayon Sports WFC received 6 million Frw, while Indahangarwa WFC earned 3 million Frw as runners-up. Honouring Heroes Through Football Played annually around 1 February, the Heroes Cup honours Rwanda’s national heroes while promoting unity, remembrance and sporting excellence. Organised under the auspices of FERWAFA, in collaboration with national institutions, the tournament remains a cornerstone of Rwanda’s domestic football calendar. For Police FC, the triumph on 01 February 2026 represents a strong statement of intent and a morale boost heading into the remainder of the season, reinforcing their status among Rwanda’s elite clubs. APR FC, despite falling short in the final, leave the tournament with positives to build on as they shift focus to league and continental ambitions. As the curtain falls on the 2026 Heroes Cup, the competition once again fulfilled its purpose—honouring the past while showcasing the passion and competitive spirit of Rwandan football.

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