APR FC played out a 1-1 draw against Egypt’s Pyramids FC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, held today at Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda.
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The match began with both sides feeling each other out, as neither team managed to assert full control in the early stages. Despite playing at home, APR FC struggled to create clear chances, although they showed glimpses of intent.
APR FC’s best opportunities in the first half came from midfielder RUBONEKA Jean Bosco, who fired a powerful shot from long distance near 25m and was saved by Pyramids captain and goalkeeper, Ahmed El Shenawy. Also followed by another golden opportunity from DAUDA Yussif Seidu who tried a shot from hard angle but it hits near the outside net. However neither side could find the back of the net and the first half ended in a goalless draw.
The second half saw APR FC come out with more attacking intent, responding to coach Darco Novic’s instructions to open up the game. In the 50th minute, the home team broke the deadlock when Pyramids FC defender Mohamed Chibi accidentally turned a cross from Lamine Bah into his own goal and giving APR FC a 1-0 lead.
However, the goal sparked an immediate response from Pyramids FC by switching from a defensive to an attacking approach. Coach Krunoslav Jurčić made key substitutions to strengthen his team’s offensive efforts. Meanwhile, APR FC’s attempts to protect their lead by bringing on more defensive players backfired, allowing Pyramids FC to gain more control of the game.
In the 83rd minute, Pyramids FC found their equalizer. A well-taken corner found the head of Fiston Kalala Mayele, whose powerful header dashed the hopes of the home supporters.
Despite five minutes of added time, neither team could find a winner and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
The result leaves APR FC in a tough position as they head to Egypt for the second leg on September 21, 2024. Pyramids FC with their crucial away goal, will be confident going into the return fixture especially considering they eliminated APR FC with a 6 home goals in the same stage last year.
APR FC will need to overcome the odds to advance to the group stages of the CAF Champions League this time around.
