African Champions League
Feb.16

APR v Zamalek

Egyptian side El Zamalek arrives in the country today ahead of Saturday’s African Champions League first-leg of the preliminary round against APR at Nyamirambo stadium.

The Ferwafa Chief Executive Officer Jules Kalisa told Times Sport yesterday that the Egyptian side arrives this afternoon aboard Kenya Airways and will reside at Alpha Palace Hotel. 

"With their fixture due on Saturday at Nyamirambo stadium, El Zamalek will use the artificial turfed stadium for their training sessions,” Kalisa said. Kalisa further ruled out recent reports which cited disqualification of Rwanda’s clubs (Rayon Sport and APR) from continental championships.

"Ferwafa fulfilled their financial obligations to the Confederation of African Football thus our clubs will participate in CAF inter-clubs competitions,” Kalisa said.

Rwanda is among five countries which were named by the continental body to have not cleared their dues enabling them to participate in this year’s Champions League and Confederation Cup respectively. Other countries are Central African Republic, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Chad.  Meanwhile, national league champions APR will miss the services of brilliant defender Mbuyu Twite and first choice goal custodian Aime Ndizeye Ndanda.

The pair will be serving a one-match ban after earning red cards in last year’s champions’ league second round clash against Maranatha Fiokopo of Togo. 

APR will be trying to make a repetition of the 2004 edition when they surprisingly eliminated the Egyptian side in the second round of the champions League.

The military side under former coach Jean Marie Ntagwabira saw off Zamalek after a 6-4 goal aggregate. The winner between APR and Zamalek will face the winner between Tonnere FC and Africa Sports.

Ends