APR FC head coach Abderrahim Taleb has boldly declared his intention to eliminate Egyptian giants Zamalek SC when the two sides meet in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. The Rwandan champions overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit with a commanding 3-0 victory over Aigles du Congo at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, September 11, advancing 3-1 on aggregate. They will now face Zamalek, who booked their place in the next round with a 6-1 aggregate victory over Djibouti’s AS Port. ALSO READ: APR thrash Les Aigles du Congo to reach final round of CAF Champions League qualifiers Speaking about the October showdown, Taleb expressed confidence that APR can extend their continental campaign. “We respect every opponent, but our objective is clear. If we meet Zamalek, we will go there to eliminate them. We are not afraid of any team because we believe in our quality, our work and our ambition,” Taleb said after the match. Taleb also highlighted the collective strength of his squad after APR secured qualification without Ugandan midfielder Ronald Ssekiganda, who was suspended after being sent off in the first leg against Aigles du Congo in Lubumbashi. “Football is about the collective. We missed some important players like Ssekiganda, but those who stepped onto the pitch did an excellent job. This team has depth, and everyone is ready to contribute when called upon.” The coach praised his players’ mentality, particularly their response after falling behind in the first leg. “I was impressed by the way the players reacted. They remained calm, trusted the process and attacked with conviction. That mentality is what helped us turn the tie around.” While attention in Rwanda has already turned to the prospect of facing Zamalek, Taleb said his team must focus on thorough preparation. “Zamalek is a big club with a great history in African football, but history does not win matches. We have our ambitions too. We want to reach the group stage and make APR proud. Whoever comes next, we will prepare seriously and fight for qualification.” The encounter will revive one of APR’s most memorable continental rivalries. The Rwandan champions famously eliminated Zamalek from the CAF Champions League in 2004, before the Egyptian giants gained revenge by knocking APR out four years later. For Taleb, however, the objective is straightforward. “We are building something special. The next round is another opportunity to prove ourselves. Our target is to reach the group stage, and if defeating Zamalek is what it takes, then we are ready for that challenge.” Eliminating Zamalek would put APR within reach of a historic milestone: reaching the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time in the club’s history.
