Zamalek SC triumphed 1-0 against APR FC in the return leg at the Cairo International Stadium. Thanks to a quick goal from Ahmed Sherif in the first minute of play, the White Knights secured the match with the same score as in the first leg, officially confirming their place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League (2-0 on aggregate).
From the very first seconds, the Rwandan players of APR FC were caught off guard, jeopardizing their qualification hopes. After this early goal, the overall tempo of the match slowed down, allowing the Cairo club to manage their advantage with their experience until halftime.
In the second half, the Rwandan team showed more initiative and tried everything to get back into the game, but they faced a solid Egyptian defense. The visitors thought they had reignited the suspense in the 76th minute, but their powerful strike from a direct free kick hit the crossbar of El Mahdi Soliman.
Zamalek then held on until the final whistle, ensuring their return to the African top 16 for the first time since 2023.
