Rwanda Premier League champions APR FC are set for a daunting challenge when they host Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Wednesday, October 1, with kick-off set for 14:00.

The sides have met on several occasions before, with APR often suffering. Their last encounter ended in a heavy 5-1 aggregate result in favour of Pyramids.

Speaking about the game in a media interview, APR head coach Abderrahim Taleb remained optimistic about his side’s chances, stressing the need for a strong performance.

APR will be without influential forward Djibril Ouattara, who has been side-lined by illness since returning from the CECAFA Kagame Cup.

Team captain Claude Niyomugabo, who has faced Pyramids three times in the past, each ending in APR’s elimination at the preliminary stage, insists the players are determined to change the narrative this time.

"Yes, we struggled against them in past years, but that’s behind us. We must defend well, avoid conceding, and then look for ways to score,” he noted.

"It is a difficult match because they are champions, but if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.”