PHOTOS: APR FC fall to Zamalek in narrow CAF Champions League defeat

Zamalek SC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over APR FC in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie in the CAF Champions League at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, October 16, 2026, leaving Rwanda’s champions with work to do in the return leg in Cairo.

APR produced a promising performance, particularly in the first half, but failed to convert their chances into goals before Egyptian striker Nasser Mansy (90’) found the breakthrough for Zamalek late in the contest.

APR FC’s head coach Abderrahim Taleb, started with Hakizimana Adolphe in goal, supported by Madou Zon, Ishimwe Christian, Raouf Memel Dao, Djibril Cheick Ouattara, Uwiyaremye Fidali, Byiringiro Jean Gilbert, Traore Mamadou, Yussif Seidu Dauda, Nshimiyimana Yunusu and Mel William Togui.

The hosts began aggressively, dominating possession and looking to put Zamalek under pressure.

Byiringiro came close in the sixth minute, but his effort was blocked by the visitors’ defence, with APR players appealing unsuccessfully for a penalty.

Zamalek responded a minute later when Oday threatened, forcing Adolphe into action.

The APR goalkeeper recovered from an initial error to turn the effort behind for a corner.

Memel Dao then tested Zamalek goalkeeper Mahdy Mohamed Soliman in the 24th minute, before trying his luck again five minutes later.

APR continued to create opportunities, and Ishimwe came particularly close shortly before half-time when his free-kick struck the woodwork, with the goalkeeper getting a touch before the ball went out for a corner.

Despite their first-half pressure, APR went into the break at 0-0, having struggled to find the finishing touch.

The Rwandan side resumed with similar attacking intent and thought they had taken the lead in the 53rd minute when captain Djibril Ouattara put the ball into the net.

However, the assistant referee flagged for offside, and the goal was ruled out.

Both coaches subsequently made changes as the contest opened up.

Zamalek nearly punished APR in the 68th minute, but Ahmed Abdelhamid failed to convert after finding himself in a promising position in front of goal.

APR also missed a major opportunity in the 72nd minute when Hakim Kiwanuka failed to turn the ball home.

Ouattara later headed the ball into the net, but the effort was again disallowed for offside.

Zamalek eventually capitalised on defensive disorganisation to score through Mansy, securing a valuable away victory ahead of the second leg in Cairo on Saturday, October 24.

The result adds another chapter to a long-running continental rivalry.

The clubs previously met in the CAF Champions League in 2002, 2004 and 2008. Zamalek won 6-0 in Cairo in 2002 before the return leg ended goalless.

In 2004, Zamalek won the first leg 3-2, but APR responded with a memorable 4-1 home victory in Kigali, with Mark Sirengo, Jimmy Gatete, Hamuguni Makombe and Jimmy Mulisa scoring.

Zamalek later won both legs of their 2008 meeting, 2-1 in Kigali and 2-0 in Cairo.

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