Time: 5:00 PM (Kigali Time) Venue: Azam Sports Complex Rwanda's APR FC faces a tough challenge as it takes on Tanzania’s Azam FC at the Azam Sports Complex this Sunday, August 18 in the first leg of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League preliminary round. While the two teams have crossed paths in regional tournaments over the years, this will be their first encounter in the CAF Champions League. ALSO READ: Super Cup: Key takeaways from Police FC's victory over APR Prior to the first leg encounter, both teams have had a feel of the competition that awaits them as they played against each other's close nemesis. APR lost 2-0 to Simba on Simba Day whereas Azam beat Rayon 1-0 on Rayon Day. APR’s head coach Darko Novic has come under pressure from the fans following defeats to Police FC in the Super Cup and Red Arrows in the CECAFA Kagame Cup final. Azam FC, on the other hand, has had a mixed offseason. Their standout victory was the win over Rayon, but they also suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Yanga, despite taking an early lead. With Clement Niyigena at the back, APR has a strong defence line but their problems are expected to be in the midfield where Novic may deploy Yussif Dauda, Bosco Ruboneka and Ramadhan Niyibizi, a trio that has been criticised for not being creative enough. Azam head coach Youssouph Dabo will rely on his strong midfield marshalled around Zanzibar-born Feisal Abdallah Salim. The former Yanga FC star remains the heartbeat of the team, thanks to the assists he conjures for the strikers. In addition to him is hardworking Ghanaian defensive midfielder James Akaminko who was on his way to Rayon Sports on loan, though the deal did not materialise. It is expected to be a game that will be mostly centred in the midfield. The team that will utilise the little chances they get will walk away with the win.
