The Congolese Eagles secured a valuable 1-0 victory over APR of Rwanda on Sunday in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round for the 2026-2027 season. ⚽🏆🔥
The Congolese side gained an important advantage ahead of the second leg, which is scheduled to take place in Kigali next Saturday.
The match is particularly important for Zamalek, as the winner of the Eagles-APR tie has been placed on the Egyptian club’s path in the next round, provided Zamalek successfully overcome AS Port of Djibouti.
Congolese Eagles Win the First Leg
The Congolese Eagles made the most of home advantage and defeated APR 1-0 in the first leg.
The result gives the Eagles an important advantage before the return match, as they now need to preserve their lead or secure a suitable result to continue their continental campaign.
However, qualification is not yet decided because APR still have an opportunity to overturn the deficit in the second leg.
APR Have a Chance to Come Back
APR will enter the second leg looking to overturn their first-leg defeat, particularly because the one-goal deficit remains manageable.
The Rwandan side will need to improve their attacking performance and make the most of home advantage in Kigali while maintaining defensive concentration.
The task will be difficult, but APR still have a genuine chance of progressing.
Zamalek’s Route Goes Through Eagles vs APR
The match is being followed closely by Zamalek supporters because its outcome directly affects the Egyptian club’s route in the CAF Champions League.
The draw placed the winner of the Congolese Eagles vs APR tie on Zamalek’s path in the next round, provided the White Knights eliminate AS Port of Djibouti.
The Eagles are therefore currently the closer side to becoming Zamalek’s potential opponent, although they must first confirm their qualification.
Zamalek Near Qualification
Zamalek previously defeated AS Port of Djibouti 2-1 in the first leg of the preliminary round.
The victory leaves the Egyptian side in a strong position before the return match, although qualification has not yet been officially confirmed.
If Zamalek complete the job against AS Port, they will then await confirmation of their next opponent.
Eagles Hold the Advantage
A 1-0 first-leg victory gives the Eagles an important advantage, particularly because they kept a clean sheet.
The Congolese side will need to approach the second leg carefully and avoid conceding an early goal that could completely change the tie.
Maintaining concentration until the final whistle will be crucial.
Second Leg Will Decide Zamalek’s Potential Opponent
The second leg between the Eagles and APR will determine which team could face Zamalek in the next round.
APR will attempt to produce a comeback on home soil, while the Eagles will look to defend their first-leg advantage.
The return fixture is expected to be highly competitive given the importance of qualification.
Zamalek Watching the Situation
Zamalek’s administration and coaching staff will follow the return match closely because knowing their potential opponent early would allow them to study the team and prepare accordingly.
At the same time, Zamalek’s immediate focus remains completing their own tie against AS Port.
Zamalek Target the Group Stage
Zamalek are aiming to continue their CAF Champions League campaign and reach the group stage, which requires successfully navigating the preliminary rounds.
Identifying the next opponent will be an important part of the club’s continental preparations as Zamalek look to make a strong run in Africa.
Potential Zamalek vs Eagles Clash
If the Congolese Eagles maintain their advantage and qualify, attention will turn toward a potential meeting with Zamalek.
Such a match would provide another major test for the Egyptian side should they progress against AS Port, especially after the Eagles secured a first-leg advantage.
However, all possibilities remain open until the second legs are completed.
The Tie Is Not Over
Despite their first-leg victory, APR still have an opportunity to overturn the result and secure qualification.
Zamalek have also yet to officially confirm their own progress despite beating AS Port 2-1.
The final qualification scenarios will therefore remain open until the return fixtures are completed.
Zamalek Await Their Opponent
Zamalek’s CAF Champions League route has become clearer after the first leg between the Eagles and APR.
The Congolese Eagles are currently the more likely potential opponent, but they still need to complete the job in Kigali, while Zamalek must first eliminate AS Port.
✨ The Congolese Eagles beat APR 1-0 in the CAF Champions League preliminary-round first leg, moving closer to qualification and a potential meeting with Zamalek in the next round. ⚽🏆🔥
📢 Do you expect Zamalek to face the Congolese Eagles in the next round of the CAF Champions League?
