Djibril Ouattara scored a first-half brace to lay the foundation for an impressive performance by the Rwandan champions at the Pele Stadium. Mamadou Traore added a third just before the interval, while Garde Republicaine pulled one back late through Maarouf Abaneh.
First-Half Dominance
APR FC responded strongly after their heavy 5-0 opening defeat to Gor Mahia. Ouattara opened the scoring in the 34th minute and doubled the lead six minutes later. Traore then made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time, giving the hosts a commanding advantage at the break.
Garde Republicaine improved after the interval and found a consolation goal in the 87th minute, but APR remained in control to secure a much-needed three points.
Group A Picture
The result lifts APR FC to three points in Group A. They sit third behind Vipers SC (six points) and Gor Mahia (three points). Garde Republicaine remain bottom with zero points after two matches.
APR FC will face Vipers SC in their final group fixture, knowing a strong result is required to keep their semi-final hopes alive.