Zamalek deny reports of Rwanda hotel change before Champions League tie

Zamalek have denied reports that they are changing their hotel in Rwanda before Friday’s CAF Champions League match against APR.

The Egyptian club are due to face the Rwandan side in the first leg of the second preliminary round, with reports claiming a change of accommodation had been forced by unpaid costs.

A Zamalek source told FilGoal.com: “There is no truth to what has been reported in the past few hours about changing the first-team hotel in Rwanda.”

The source added: “Zamalek are staying in the largest hotel in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, and this was arranged in advance. All the administrative arrangements relating to the team’s travel and hotel bookings are proceeding smoothly, and there are no problems concerning the team’s accommodation in Rwanda.”

The match will take place on Friday, 16 October, at Amahoro Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00.

MBC Masr2 has announced through its official accounts that it has secured the rights to broadcast the first leg of the last-32 tie.

CAF has appointed Abdoul Mfire as referee for the match. Elvis N’jogu and Rodrigue Mini will serve as assistant referees, while Max Esuma has been named the fourth official.

Tanzanian Khalid Abdullah Mohamed has been selected as the general match commissioner, with Ugandan Ali Molumba Tomosangi appointed as referee assessor.

Zamalek’s delegation is scheduled to leave Cairo for Rwanda on Monday, 12 October, ahead of the match.

The Egyptian club reached the last 32 after beating Arta/Solar7 6-1 on aggregate. Zamalek won the first leg 2-1 before completing a 4-0 victory in the return match, with both games played in Cairo.

APR, meanwhile, secured their place in the round after overcoming Congo’s Eagles 3-1 on aggregate.

The second leg between Zamalek and APR will be played on Saturday, 24 October, at Cairo Stadium.