Both teams started the match with high intensity, seeking an early goal. In the 9th minute, AS Kigali's striker, Emmanuel Okwi, found the back of the net, scoring the opening goal.
Positioned outside the penalty box, Okwi spotted Police FC goalkeeper Niyongira Patience off his line and struck the ball past his outstretched hands.
The goal ignited Police FC's determination, and they responded in the 19th minute with a powerful strike from Bigirimana Abedi, who scored from outside the box to equalize.
The first half, which included three minutes of added time, ended with both teams tied at 1-1.
The second half was tightly contested in midfield. Early on, Police FC came close to scoring when AS Kigali's defender misjudged a pass to Cyuzuzo Aime Gael, whose effort narrowly missed the target as the goalkeeper was caught off his line.
In the 71st minute, substitute Ani Elijah, who had replaced Byiringiro Lague, capitalized on a defensive lapse by AS Kigali to score Police FC's second goal. The AS Kigali defense appeared to hesitate, believing Elijah was offside.
With the 2-1 victory, Police FC takes an advantage into the second leg, scheduled between March 4-5, 2025.
IGIHE
