Rwanda’s APR FC face a crucial challenge in their bid to reach the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage after suffering a 1-0 home defeat against Egypt’s Zamalek FC in the first leg of the second preliminary round.

The result was among the major talking points of a weekend that also saw Sudan’s Al Hilal SC and Tanzania’s Young Africans SC secure convincing victories to strengthen their positions ahead of the return fixtures.

APR FC were beaten on Friday, October 16, leaving the Rwandan champions needing a strong performance in the second leg to keep their continental ambitions alive. Facing a team with significant experience in African football, APR will have to improve their attacking effectiveness and defensive organisation to overcome the deficit.

APR FC’s Uwiyaremye Fidali battles to keep possession with Zamalek players closing in during their CAF Champions League clash.

Meanwhile, Al Hilal delivered an impressive away performance, defeating Ethiopia’s Sidama Bunna 2-0 at Dire Dawa Stadium on Sunday. An own goal in the 11th minute gave the Sudanese side an early advantage before captain Mohamed Abdelrahman added a second goal late in the match.

Young Africans SC were equally impressive, recording a commanding 4-0 victory over Madagascar’s CFFA on Saturday. Cheikh Touré opened the scoring in the 39th minute, with Albert Kangwanda, Mudathir Yahya and Maxi Nzengeli also finding the net.

Al Hilal’s players celebrate a crucial 2-0 victory over Sidama Bunna in the CAF Champions League, taking a big step toward the group stage.

Elsewhere, Egypt’s Pyramids FC defeated South Sudan’s El Merriekh SC Bentiu 1-0 away from home, while Guinea’s Horoya AC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Sudanese side Al Merrikh SC.

Tanzania’s Simba SC are scheduled to face Equatorial Guinea’s 15 de Agosto on October 20 at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Both legs of the tie will be played in Tanzania.

With places in the 16-team group stage at stake, the return matches will be decisive for clubs seeking to establish themselves among Africa’s leading teams.

For APR FC, the focus now shifts to the second leg against Zamalek, where the Rwandan side must produce a determined response to remain in contention. Al Hilal and Young Africans, meanwhile, will look to capitalise on their first-leg advantages as the race for group-stage qualification intensifies.

A little more informed. A little more connected.