APR vs Vipers

APR took the lead in the 20th minute through Mamadou Traore, who finished coolly after a well-worked move. The Rwandan side dominated the opening quarter but could not double their advantage before Vipers struck back.

G. Mulongo levelled for the Ugandan champions in the 38th minute, briefly silencing the home crowd. The score remained 1-1 at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern — APR pushing forward, Vipers looking to hit on the counter. The decisive moment came in the 60th minute when Djibril Ouattara found space in the box and fired home to restore APR's lead. Ouattara had also scored twice in APR's previous match, a 3-1 win over Al-Haras Al-Jumhuri.

Vipers had grown into the game after conceding the second goal and were beginning to ask questions of the APR defence when K. Dasylva Bady was shown a straight red card in the 82nd minute. The dismissal killed Vipers' momentum and forced them to play the final eight minutes plus stoppage time a man down. They could not muster a clear chance after the red card.

• Djibril Ouattara (APR): The match-winner with his third goal in two group games. A constant threat running in behind the Vipers defence.
• Mamadou Traore (APR): Opened the scoring with a composed finish and linked well with Ouattara throughout.
• G. Mulongo (Vipers): Scored the equaliser and was Vipers' most dangerous attacking outlet before the red card disrupted their shape.

Player of the match: Djibril Ouattara

APR's two goals came from 1.5 xG (per available provider data), reflecting clinical finishing rather than sustained dominance. Vipers registered just 0.7 xG, with Mulongo's equaliser representing their only high-quality chance. APR had 54% possession and outshot Vipers 12-6 overall, but the shot count was even at 3-3 after the red card, suggesting the numerical advantage had a limited impact on attacking output.

APR moved to six points in Group A with the win, strengthening their bid for a semi-final berth. Vipers remain on one point from three matches and face an uphill battle to progress. APR's next group fixture is against Gor Mahia, whom Vipers still have to face in the final round of group matches.

APR were the sharper side from the first whistle and deserved the three points. The red card made a Vipers comeback unlikely, but the Rwandan side had already created enough chances to win the game before the dismissal. Vipers' tournament hopes hang by a thread.