Time: 5:00 PM (Kigali Time)
Venue: Azam Sports Complex
Rwanda’s APR FC faces a formidable challenge this Sunday, August 18, as they take on Tanzania’s Azam FC in the first leg of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League preliminary round at the Azam Sports Complex.
While the two teams have previously met in regional tournaments, this marks their first encounter in the CAF Champions League.
Ahead of this crucial match, both teams have had a taste of the competition to come, facing each other’s regional rivals. APR recently suffered a 2-0 defeat to Simba on Simba Day, while Azam secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Rayon on Rayon Day.
APR’s head coach, Darko Novic, is under pressure from fans following losses to Police FC in the Super Cup and Red Arrows in the CECAFA Kagame Cup final.
Azam FC, meanwhile, has experienced a mixed offseason. Their highlight was the win against Rayon, though they also endured a 4-1 defeat to Yanga despite taking an early lead.
With Clement Niyigena anchoring the defense, APR boasts a solid backline. However, the midfield remains a concern, where Novic may deploy Yussif Dauda, Bosco Ruboneka, and Ramadhan Niyibizi— a trio criticized for lacking creativity.
On the other hand, Azam’s head coach, Youssouph Dabo, will depend on a robust midfield led by Zanzibar-born Feisal Abdallah Salim, whose playmaking abilities are vital to the team. Alongside him is the hardworking Ghanaian defensive midfielder, James Akaminko, who nearly joined Rayon Sports on loan before the deal fell through.
The match is expected to be heavily contested in the midfield, with victory likely to go to the team that capitalizes on the few chances they create.
