Rwandan champions APR FC have been handed a test against Azam FC in the first preliminary round of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League.

APR had an abysmal Champions League campaign during the 2023/24 season as they bowed out of the second round following a 6-1 humiliating defeat at the hands of Egyptian side Pyramids FC.

After winning the 2023/24 league, the army side has made massive recruitments this transfer window as they look to return to the African biggest club competition much stronger with fresh ambitions to at least the group stages.

Azam will host APR in Tanzania between September 13-15 before the pair face off in Kigali for the return leg scheduled between September 20-22. Renovated Amahoro Stadium could potentially host the match.

The winner of the tie will face either Egyptian powerhouse Pyramids FC or JKU SC of Zanzibar in the second and final round whose winner will book a place in the group stages.

Police FC face CS Constantine test

Elsewhere, 2023/24 Rwanda Peace Cup winners Police FC have been paired against Algerian club CS Constantine in the first preliminary round of the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup.

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CS Constantine qualified for the Confederation Cup after finishing third in the Algerian Ligue 1 during the 2023/24 season just behind champions MC Alger and CR Belouizdad. The latter reached the CAF Champions League group stages last season.

The first leg game will be played at the Mohammed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine between September 13-15 before Police FC host the second leg potentially at renovated Amahoro Stadium between September 20-22.

The winner of the two-legged tie will face Ghanaian outfit Nsoatreman or TP Elect Sport from Chad.

Police FC who are making a return to the competition for the first time since 2016, have also been active on the transfer market as they aim to at least get to the group stage which has only been achieved by Rayon Sports in the history of Rwandan football.