Petro Atlético de Luanda opened their African Club Championship campaign with a commanding 38-25 victory over APR HC on Tuesday in Luanda, Angola. The Angolan champions took control from the outset, heading into halftime with a 20-12 lead before extending their advantage after the break to secure a 13-goal victory. Garcia Morais Malandua led Petro Atlético’s attack with seven goals, followed by Celestino Maneco Adilson with six and Pedro Nelson Domingos with five. Mateus Bumba Dende and Catarino Paulo Valdemiro added four goals each, while Manuel José António Da C scored three. ALSO READ: APR HC face tough test on continental return For APR, Alexis Nshimiyimana and new signing Yves Kayijamahe topped the scoring charts with six goals each, while Emmanuel Kubwimana added five. Captain Jean Paul Muhawenayo scored two goals. APR struggled to contain Petro Atlético’s attacking pressure, with the Angolan side maintaining their intensity after the interval and gradually building an unassailable lead. The match also marked a continental debut for several of APR’s recent recruits as the Rwandan champions continue to strengthen their squad. APR completed the signings of Emmanuel Kubwimana and Yves Kayijamahe from Police HC ahead of their continental campaign. Kubwimana brings experience to the backcourt, while Kayijamahe adds another attacking option to the squad. ALSO READ: APR HC sign Kubwimana, Kayijamahe ahead of African Club APR entered the tournament after reclaiming the Rwanda men’s championship, overcoming Police HC in a dramatic five-game playoff final to secure their fourth national league title. However, the defeat leaves the Rwandan champions with an early setback in a reshaped Group A following the withdrawal of FAP, TKC and Veto from the competition. APR are now in a six-team group alongside reigning champions Al Ahly of Egypt, Flowers of Benin, Petro Atlético and Interclube of Angola, and Renaissance Don Bosco of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The revised group presents APR with a demanding route to the knockout stages, with Al Ahly and Petro Atlético among the continent’s established clubs. For Petro Atlético, the victory provides an ideal start to their campaign on home soil. APR, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly and improve their defensive organisation and finishing ahead of their next group match.
