APR FC complete comeback to reach CAF Champions League second preliminary round

Rwanda’s APR FC have advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after completing a 3-0 comeback victory over Aigles du Congo in Kigali.

APR overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit with a convincing performance on home soil to progress 3-1 on aggregate.

The Rwandan champions went into the second leg needing to win after Aigles du Congo secured a narrow advantage in the opening encounter.

APR responded strongly in Kigali, scoring three times to turn the tie around and book their place in the next round of Africa’s premier club competition.

The result means APR FC remain in contention for a place in the Champions League group stage as they continue their continental campaign.

Aigles du Congo, who had hoped to protect their first-leg advantage, were unable to withstand APR’s pressure and saw their lead disappear as the hosts produced a decisive second-leg display.

APR’s 3-0 victory also underlined the importance of home advantage in the early stages of the competition, with the Rwandan side taking full control of the tie in front of their supporters.

They will now turn their attention to the second preliminary round, where they will face another test in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.

For Aigles du Congo, the defeat brings their Champions League campaign to an end after they were unable to hold on to the advantage gained in the first leg.

APR FC’s progression gives Rwanda a representative in the next stage of the competition and keeps alive their hopes of reaching the main phase of the CAF Champions League.