Saturday, September 21 Pyramids vs APR FC, at 8PM CAT Venue: June 30 Stadium APR FC have an arduous task to eliminate Pyramids FC from the 2024/25 CAF Champions League when the pair go head to head at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo on Saturday, September 21. The result ended 1-1 when the two teams met in the first leg of the second preliminary round in Kigali and Darko Novic’s men are on a mission to upset the Egyptians, beat them on their own home turf and book a historic ticket to the group stage. Pyramids FC undoubtedly looks the better side on paper to qualify to the next round. However, football defies logic and the coming 90 minutes of grueling action could leave the visitors smiling. ALSO READ: Mayele scores late equaliser as Pyramids hold APR in Kigali The two teams met at the same stage of the competition last year with the first leg in Kigali ending goalless whereas Pyramids humiliated APR 6-1 in the return fixture. But things have changed drastically on the course of a year as APR were among the vibrant teams on the continent in the June transfer window. They brought a host of talented players from West Africa. Some are gradually jelling while are yet to adapt to life at the army side. Pyramids FC, who recently won the Egyptian Cup, were again drawn against APR after seeing off Zanzibar minnows JKU with a 9-1 aggregate win whereas APR defeated Azam FC 2-1 on aggregate. Coach Novic is expected to make a host of changes to his side which drew 1-1 with Pyramids in the first leg. Either Richmond Lamptey, Victor Mbaoma or Ramadan Niyibizi could have a starting berth on Saturday. It will be a game worth watching and, knowing their past predicament against the same opponent, APR will decide to play a compact game by closing all spaces which they failed to do in their previous visit to Cairo in 2023. APR back four comprising skipper Claude Niyomugabo, right back Gilbert Byiringiro, and central defensive pair of Clement Niyigena and Yunusu Nshimiyimana must be at their best to stop the rampaging Pyramids attacking trio of red hot striker Fiston Mayele, Mostafa Fathi and Ramadan Sobhi. On the other hand, the visitors’ attack made of Mamadou Sy and Victor Mbaoma must be clinical and utilize the chances they get in the game.
