APR have a daunting task ahead of them on Saturday, September 21, as they hope to see off Egyptian outfit Pyramids FC and make it to the Group stage of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League.
The first leg in Kigali ended 1-1, with Fiston Mayele Kalala netting an 83rd minute header to secure a vital away draw for the Egyptians.
On paper, it looks like an impossible mission for APR to eliminate Pyramids in Cairo but football defies logic and anything can happen.
Times Sport takes a look at five things APR can do to eliminate Pyramids FC from the CAF Champions League.
Don’t give Pyramids ‘too much respect’
There is a vast difference between Pyramids and APR FC in terms of their value though they are yet to win a continental trophy.
Pyramids FC have a value of Euros 22.25 million compared to APR's Euros 700,000 according to Transfermarkt. This is calculated based on the amount they signed players.
Football is played on the field and APR should not give Pyramids too much respect. The army side must know that both of them are chasing their first silverware on the continent which means they can face them.
APR must take a cue from that fact that last season Botswana minnows Jwaneng Galaxy went all the way to Morocco to beat former champions Wydad AC 1-0.
ALSO READ: Mayele scores late equaliser as Pyramids hold APR in Kigali
Get an early goal
APR must endeavour to get a goal at least in the first 15 to 20 minutes. This will be very vital as it will put them in the driving seat.
It will also make them relax and for Pyramids FC to start chasing the game. In doing that, the Egyptians will leave their back open and APR can hit them on the counter.
Avoid petty mistakes
APR could have won the first leg at Amahoro Stadium had players not made a host of petty mistakes and profligacy.
The Lions should be very clinical, especially those leading the attack. Goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila, who was jittery in the first leg, as well as club’s back four led by skipper Claude Niyomugabo should keep things intact and avoid unpardonable mistakes.
Attack with two strikers
It was very evident that, in the first leg, APR needed to play two strikers especially after going 1-0 up. Darko Novic, however, brought on Victor Mbaoma for Mamadou Sy instead of pairing the duo upfront.
This is a game APR need goals, Novic must go all out and start two strikers in attack. If he gets the needed goals. Later in the second half, he can vary his tactics.
Keep Mayele and Fathi at bay
Congolese striker Fiston Mayele was lost in the first leg game for 82 minutes as he was completely marked by Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Clement Niyigena. However, they failed to track him as he jumped the highest to net level the scores with powerful header in the corner in the 83rd minute.
Again, most of the APR players know Mostafa Fathi already. He netted 4 of the 6 goals when the two teams met in Cairo in September 29, 2023.
Fathi is a very tricky player, he can operate from both flanks and also as an attacking midfielder. APR captain Claude Niyomugabo, right back Gilbert Byiringiro as well as defensive midfielder Taddeo Lwanga should not give him space as he could easily repeat his heroics last season.