APR FC Advance in CAF Champions League After 3-0 Victory

APR FC produced a convincing comeback at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, defeating Les Aigles du Congo 3-0 to overturn a first-leg deficit and reach the final qualifying round of the CAF Champions League after progress 3-1 on aggregate.

The Rwandan champions entered the match needing to recover from a 1-0 defeat suffered in the first leg on September 6.

Coach Talib Abderrahman of Morocco made one change to the starting XI that featured in the opening match, with Seidu Yussif Dauda replacing Ronald Ssekiganda, who had been sent off in the first leg.

APR FC started strongly and created several chances during the opening 30 minutes.

Cheikh Djibril Ouattara came close with a powerful effort that was saved by the Les Aigles du Congo goalkeeper, while William Togui Mel delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but Amani Michel was unable to convert.

APR FC eventually broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Ouattara found the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

The score remained unchanged until halftime, leaving APR FC level on aggregate but still needing another goal to move ahead in the tie.

The home side continued to press after the break and doubled its lead in the 55th minute.

Ishimwe Christian converted from a free kick to make it 2-0 on the night and put APR FC 2-1 ahead on aggregate.

Before the second goal, Abderrahman had made two substitutions, bringing on Hakim Kiwanuka and Uwiyaremye Fidali for Amani Michel and Memel Dao.

APR FC then secured its place in the next round in the 77th minute when Ouattara scored his second goal of the match from the penalty spot after being fouled inside the area.

The 3-0 victory gave APR FC a 3-1 aggregate win and booked the club's place in the final qualifying round of the CAF Champions League.

APR FC will face either Egyptian giants Zamalek SC or AS Port of Djibouti in the final qualifying round, which is scheduled to be played in October.

Zamalek currently hold the advantage after winning the first leg 2-1 away from home. The return leg will be played in Cairo on Saturday evening, with the winner advancing to face APR FC.