CAF Champions League: Zamalek and Pyramids FC begin second-round campaigns

The first legs of the second preliminary round of the 2026-2027 CAF Champions League take place on Friday 16 October, with Zamalek and Pyramids FC among the teams beginning their campaigns at this stage.

Zamalek travel to Rwanda to face APR FC, aiming to secure an advantage before the return fixture. The Egyptian side reached the second round after a convincing 6-1 aggregate victory over AS Port de Djibouti in the previous phase.

APR FC will provide a different challenge, having overturned a difficult position during the first round to progress in the competition. Zamalek will therefore be looking to make their greater experience count as they attempt to take control of the tie away from home.

In the other match on Friday, Pyramids FC visit South Sudan for a meeting with El Merriekh Bentiu. The Egyptian club made a strong impression in the opening round and will be seeking another positive result as they pursue their continental ambitions.

The two fixtures will open an important weekend in the competition, with the remaining first-leg matches scheduled to follow. Teams must overcome this round to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

The return matches are due to be played between 23 and 25 October. The sides that progress over the two legs will advance to the group stage, while the eliminated teams will see their campaigns come to an end at this point.

Friday 16 October – kick-off times in GMT

13H30: El Merriekh Bentiu (South Sudan) v Pyramids FC (Egypt)

16H: APR FC (Rwanda) v Zamalek (Egypt)