APR vs Zamalek CAF Champions League Preview
APR are looking to make it count at home when they host Egyptian giants Zamalek in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second qualifying round.
The Rwandans will be keen to put on a show in front of their fans and given their recent attacking displays, could be backed to find the net.
Key Stats
- APR have scored over 0.5 goals in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- APR have scored over 0.5 goals in eight of their last nine home matches in all competitions.
- Zamalek have conceded at least one goal in their last two matches in all competitions.
- Zamalek have conceded at least one goal in five of their last nine away matches in all competitions.
Zamalek on Top
Zamalek have four wins and one draw while APR have been victorious just once in the last six matches.
The most recent meeting was during the 2008 Champions League, with the Egyptians earning a 2-1 win in the first meeting before seeing out a 2-0 victory in the second leg.
APR Looking Sharp
APR reached the second qualifying round after claiming a 3-1 aggregate victory over Aigles du Congo. They fell 1-0 in the first leg but returned home for a 3-0 victory, with Djibril Ouattara netting a brace while Christian Ishimwe was also on target.
That result is part of a solid recent run for APR, who have won four of their last five matches in all competitions. They will head into Friday's clash off the back of a 4-2 home victory over Marines in a Rwandan Premier League fixture, with Ouattara netting another brace.
APR’s last two wins highlight their attacking quality, having scored at least one goal in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions. Taleb Abderrahim’s team also tend to put on a show on home soil and have scored at least one goal in eight of their last nine matches in front of their fans.
Zamalek’s Shaky Backline
Zamalek were dominant in the previous round, easing to a 6-1 aggregate victory over Port. They secured a 2-1 away victory in the first leg before earning a 4-0 triumph at home in the second meeting, with Abdallah El Said grabbing a hat-trick.
However, it has been mostly downhill for Zamalek since that win, and they head into this clash with two straight defeats. Motamed Gamal’s team were beaten 3-0 by ZED in a League Cup game before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Al Ahly in an Egyptian Premier League fixture.
Conceding five goals in the last two matches highlights recent defensive frailties for Zamalek. They are also shaky at the back on their travels and have conceded at least one goal in five of their last nine away matches in all competitions.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
APR (4-3-3): Adolphe Hakizimana; Jean Gilber Byiringiro, Yunusu Nshimiyimana, Zon Madou, Christian Ishimwe; Mamadou Traore, Ronald Ssekinganda, Memel Raouf Dao; William Togui, Djibril Ouattara, Hakim Kiwanuka.
Hakim Kiwanuka was a halftime substitute for APR in their previous fixture and could earn a start in attack on Friday. Mamadou Traore is expected to feature in midfield while Ouattara should lead the line once again following his brace last time out.
Zamalek (4-2-3-1): Mahdi Soliman; Omar Gaber, Mohamed Ismail, Mahmoud Hamdi, Mahmoud Bentayg; Mohamed Shehata, Ahmed Rabia; Ahmed Fatouh, Abdallah El Said, Ahmed Sherif; Chico Banza.
Zamalek have no major injuries or suspensions heading into this clash. El Said should continue in attack following his hat-trick in the previous round, while Mohamed Ismail and Mahmoud Hamdi are set to feature in central defence.