Egyptian side Zamalek SC scored late to beat Rwanda’s APR FC 1-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary-round tie at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday.
Substitute Nasser Mansi scored in the 89th minute, giving Zamalek an advantage ahead of the return leg in Cairo on October 24.
APR started strongly in front of their home supporters, pressing for an early goal and forcing Zamalek to defend deep. The Rwandan champions created several chances but struggled to convert them.
Uwiyaremye Fidali tested the visitors’ defence with a powerful effort, while Ishimwe Christian came close to breaking the deadlock shortly before halftime when his free kick struck the crossbar. The teams went into the break level at 0-0.
APR continued to push after the restart. They thought they had taken the lead in the 53rd minute when Djibril Ouattara found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Coach Abderrahim Taleb introduced Hakim Kiwanuka for Fidali as APR searched for a breakthrough. The hosts continued to threaten, but Zamalek’s goalkeeper and defence held firm.
APR missed further opportunities in the closing stages, and Zamalek capitalised when Mansi found space late in the match to score the decisive goal.
The result leaves APR needing to win in Cairo to keep their hopes of reaching the group stage alive. Zamalek will advance if they avoid defeat in the second leg, while APR must overturn the one-goal deficit to progress.
The winner of the tie will qualify for the group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.
